Community Review Board presses for transparency as outside investigator stays silent; contract terms disclosed

The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Community Review Board on Wednesday pressed for transparency in a yearlong investigation handled by an outside law firm, saying the board and the public deserve at least a general update on progress and how much taxpayers are paying.

The board’s discussion centered on Butler Snow attorney Edward Stanton’s refusal to comment and on the engagement terms between the firm and Metro. “There is absolutely nothing new to report because attorney Ed Stanton has very consistently declined to make any comment,” a board representative said during the meeting. Board members said Stanton’s silence has left complainants and board members frustrated and uncertain about the investigation’s status.

Why it matters: The board is the public-facing oversight body that reviews complaints about the Metropolitan…