A Better Idea

By Kleinheider Posted on August 21, 2008 at 2:25 pm

Rob Robinson says, instead of naming our airport after a country music star, we should name it after the late Public Defender Ross Alderman:

That said, we are extremely well known for our musical pedigree, and unfortunately that sometimes means that the pejorative pieces of that legacy are what people elsewhere choose to focus on. Naming one of the front doors of our community, the airport, after someone who will only reinforce that image doesn’t help the city in the long run. Let’s name it after Dick Fulton, Phil Bredesen, Bill Purcell or Ross Alderman instead.

permalink | Comment on this post

Tags: BNA, Nashville Airport, Ross Alderman  

Replacing Ross

By Kleinheider Posted on August 15, 2008 at 8:23 am

Ken Whitehouse reports on the unfortunately early chatter on who may replace the late, great Nashville Public Defender Ross Alderman:

While it may seem “too soon” for many, speculation is rampant as to who will take Alderman’s seat.

The post has been an unlikely launching pad for notable figures in the city, chief among them is current Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. He served as public defender before heading up the Metro legal department at the request of former Mayor Bill Purcell, whom he succeeded in office.

Purcell himself served in the office from 1981 to 1985. Other prominent alumni are former Davidson County Circuit Court Judge Walter Kurtz, and noted MTSU professor Dr. Bill Shulman, to name a few.

When Alderman last ran for office in 2006, he fended off an unexpected challenge from Kelvin Jones, executive director of the Metro Human Relations Commission. Many in the legal community expect Jones to take another shot. And that possibility has some in the courthouse crowd talking.

Read the whole piece.

permalink | Comment on this post

Tags: Bill Purcell, Dawn Deaner, Karl Dean, Kelvin Jones, Laura Dykes, Maria Wooten, public defender, Richard McGee, Ross Alderman  

Ross Alderman, RIP

By Kleinheider Posted on August 10, 2008 at 6:34 pm

From WSMV:

Nashville officials are mourning the loss of Public Defender Ross Alderman. Alderman was killed Saturday when a car struck his motorcycle. State troopers said Alderman was riding his motorcycle along Old Hillsboro Road near Leipers Fork when a 16-year-old driver in a car swerved into his lane and struck him.

Alderman died at the scene.

SEE ALSO:
Ken Whitehouse with reactions from Nashville’s elite.
Sean Braisted
City Paper
Niece Megan Mitchell

permalink | Comment on this post

Tags: Motorcycle crash, Nashville, Nashville Public Defender, Ross Alderman