Torry Johnson edging closer to mayoral run

District Attorney General speaks to potential supporters at Swett's

Email | Print By Ken Whitehouse

Victor S. 'Torry' Johnson III, District Attorney General

Davidson County District Attorney General Torry Johnson met with local business leaders at Swett's Resteraunt today amid rampant speculation that he is soon to declare a bid for the mayor's office. Current Mayor Bill Purcell vacates the office next year.

While not formally anouncing his candidacy, Johnson told the crowd that the four most important issues facing the next mayor of Nashville are education, affordable housing, economic development, and "the culture of violence" that is prevalent is some areas of the community, threatening the city as a whole.

Johnson was introduced by Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Dick Lodge to an audience that included developer Bert Matthews, attorneys George Barrett and Tom Sherrard, venture capitalist Andrew Byrd, and former councilman Chris Whitson.

Other candidates who either have announced or are expected to announce for the office soon are former Congressman Bob Clement, Vice Mayor Howard Gentry, and Metro Councilman at-Large Buck Dozier.