CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Joe Pitts, who is running for mayor of Clarksville in the Nov. 6 election, is hosting a campaign kickoff event Sunday, Aug. 19 at The City Forum (2231-T Madison Street).

The event will feature special incentives and free food for the first 200 guests from 4-6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

“I just want to meet folks and find out what their hopes and dreams are and talk to them about what this campaign is going to be about,” Pitts said of the family-friendly event.

Pitts is the third candidate to announce a run for Clarksville mayor. Incumbent Kim McMillan and former city councilman Bill Summers announced earlier this summer.

Pitts served 12 years in the Tennessee House of Representatives for the 67th District (Montgomery County).

In an interview with ClarksvilleNow.com, Pitts said his campaign’s theme is ‘One City’ and prioritizes homegrown business development, widespread recreational plans, and traffic flow.

“We want to continue our economic development success, but really pay attention to those homegrown businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit we have in this community,” he said. “We want to make smart community investment, neighborhood by neighborhood, especially downtown. We want to see more recreation opportunities throughout the city, not in just one central location.”

Pitts said his proposed budgets will reflect citizens’ concerns regarding traffic issues throughout the city, both during the campaign season and after the election.

Overall, Pitts expressed a desire to connect with all Clarksville residents.

“I just love the spirit of this community. It embodies the volunteer spirit of this state. Obviously it’s home to the 101st, and we just want to make sure that we rally around our troops and their families and our veterans to make sure that they’re well taken care of,” he said. “We also want to be a welcoming city, because diversity is not just a buzz word to me. We want diversity not just of cultures and races, but diversity of thought and ideas, where everybody’s opinion matters.”

For more information about Pitts and his campaign, visit his official website.