Metro Council candidate has history of arrests

DUIs, assault, and drugs among charges

05-29-2007 3:28 PM —

While members of the Metro Council are sworn to uphold and make the law, one candidate for Metro office has battled to stay on the right side of it.

Ira A. Antonio "Tony" Tenpenny, a candidate for the Metro Council seat currently held by incumbent Anna Page, has an arrest record that dates from the early 1980's to as recent as 2002.

In addition to Tenpenny, Page is being challenged by Jerry Austin, Charles O. French and Karen Van Dyke to represent District 16.

According to records obtained from the Metro Nashville Police Department, Tenpenny has been arrested twice for assault (once in 2002, once in 1984), once for the solicitation of drugs (1995), twice for driving under the influence and corresponding driver's license violations (in 1993 and in 1987), and an "implied consent" violation (1993).

When contacted by NashvillePost.com, Tenpenny confirmed his arrest history, saying that he has since cleaned up his act.

When specifically asked about the most recent assault charge filed in 2002, Tenpenny said it was a false charge made by his wife and they are still married and have a five year old son and "are the happiest we have ever been."

When contacted by NashvillePost.com, Robbie Tenpenny, Tony's wife who made the charge, verified that she had made a false report.

"We were just two people madder than hell at each other that night and I called the police," she said. "We are both recovering alcoholics, and as you will notice, the case never went to court."

A records search of the Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk's office verified her statement.

When asked about the drug and alcohol violations, Tony Tenpenny said, "I had a drug and alcohol problem that kept rearing its ugly head. I have been clean and sober for the last twelve years."

Tenpenny's last substance or alcohol charge was on April 7, 1995. He said he checked into a Brentwood drug rehabilitation center on April 10 of that year.

When asked if had served any time in prison, Tenpenny said he served 48 hours for a DUI and was not sentenced to prison for the solicitation of drugs charge because he was in rehab.

Tenpenny said he doesn't think his past problems will affect his campaign for Metro Council. "People know me," he said, "They know what I've been through and know that I am an open book and what I stand for. I really care about this district and want to be the best I can."

The election will be held August 2.

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robyngarcia States:

Posted on 5/30/2007 1:54 pm

Wow-quite a lot of "dirt" you have there on Mr. Tenpenny. Sounds like a political mud throw to me. I am too dignified to even mention other candidates wrongful past but, I do believe that this kind of campaigning is pathetic to say the least! Mr. Tenpenny is a good person, a good neighbor, a good christian and has a great insight as to what Woodbine can be for our future generations. Mr. Tenpenny is an excellent choice for the 16th District because he is a family man and is not afraid to speak out about the sensitive issues that affect so many of us long term Woodbine people. See you at the poles!

iflynwa States:

Posted on 5/30/2007 4:55 pm

If we can elect a president who has one dui conviction and a vice president with two dui convictions then im thinking a man seeking a simple metro council seat should be considered. I dont personally know Mr. Tennpenny, but i understand he has turned his life around and is a concerned and caring citizen with good idea's to help his community. I would venture to say that all candidates have some skeltons, afterall we are human. Lets look to the future and not the past folks.... Mr.Tennpenny you have my vote for no other reason than this sleasy article. I look forward too meeting you.

risamcalister States:

Posted on 5/31/2007 12:08 am

What a "Terrible" attack on such a Good Man! I have learned a lot about "Mud Slinging" during Election times, but this is really hitting the bottom of the barrell! I know several of the candidates running for this Council seat, and I also know plenty of their wrongful pasts, as well....but I care nothing for ugly political dirt throwing during campaigning season! I am far more respectful than that! My hat's off to you, Mr. Tenpenny for admitting the "Truth" about your past. That alone proves to me that you are an honest and couragous person! And let's all admit it folks....ANY of us could have had a DUI sometime over the course of our lives....we were just lucky enough to not get caught!

robyngarcia States:

Posted on 5/31/2007 7:38 am

Oops! Correction: See you at the polls! Prime example not to comment while you're upset. Final comment/quote from Maya Angelou, as I left for the writer of this article: "When I say I am a Christian I'm not shouting I'm clean livin' I'm whispering I was lost Now I'm found and forgiven".

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