CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – With a vacancy in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, it’s time for Montgomery County citizens to elect a new leader to that role.
On the ballot for Circuit Court Clerk are Chelsea Camp, Wendy Davis and Tracy Provo Knight.
Here is information on each of them, and why, in their own words, they are running for office.
Chelsea Camp, 31, retired from the Army in 2018 and is director of Development for Butterfly Moments Women’s Recovery Center, an organization committed to reducing recidivism. She has lived in Clarksville a total of 20 years, went to Kenwood High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Leadership & Organizational Administration from Austin Peay State University.
“I want to serve all residents of Montgomery County,” Camp said. “The court system touches many lives on various levels. Serving as Circuit Court Clerk gives me the opportunity to contribute impartiality and equality to our entire community. Montgomery County is in desperate need of public servants who are dedicated to serving to standard. Leaders in public service who represent the community in its fullness enables trust and confidence from the public in government organizations. Many families find fear in the courthouse because of the lack of equality, understanding, accessibility and standardized level of service. Any form of injustice, no matter how small, is a threat to justice everywhere. I love Montgomery County and we deserve more.”
For more: votechelseacamp.com.
Wendy Davis, 48, is the chief deputy of Administration and Technology at the Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. She is a Northwest High School graduate and has lived in Montgomery County for 41 years.
“I believe that my current position gives me a unique level of experience, knowledge and proficiency in the job of the Circuit Court Clerk, and that I would be the ideal candidate,” Davis said. “I have 24 years of experience working in every division of court, to include finance and administration. I have extensive knowledge of each and every aspect of the office, to include budget preparation and project management.”
For more: www.davis4circuitcourtclerk.com.
Tracy Provo Knight, 49, is an attorney with the Batson Nolan law firm and an adjunct faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Business. She had a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Lincoln Memorial University; a Master of Business Administration from MTSU; and a Bachelor of Science from Austin Peay State University. She was born and raised in Clarksville and has lived her a total of about 30 years.
“As a practicing attorney, I’m aware of the important role of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office plays in our court system,” Knight said. “I am also mindful of the changes that can be made to modernize the office and improve its service to our community. As the only candidate who is a regular user of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, I am in the unique position to see its strengths and weaknesses from the outside. … My experience as a former legislative auditor will assist in the financial and budgetary aspects of the clerk’s position, while my background in human resources will assist in the management of the almost 60 employees and play a role in restoring and maintaining high employee morale. Service to the public is a large responsibility of the clerk’s office, and, if elected, that service will always be done with a helping hand and a smile.”
For more: Tracy Provo Knight for Circuit Court Clerk
City Judge: Charles Smith
Also on the ballot in the November election in local courts is the Clarksville city judge.
Judge Charles Smith, 78, is unopposed in running for re-election as City Judge for the City of Clarksville. Smith, an attorney, holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Middle Tennessee State University, a master’s degree in secondary education from MTSU, a doctorate in administration and supervision at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and a Juris Doctorate from the Nashville School of Law. He has lived in Clarksville/Montgomery County for 47 years.
“It has been my honor to serve our community for more than 19 years as Clarksville’s City Court judge,” Smith said. “Experience, temperament, attitude, common sense, and education are critical on the bench and in life. A priority of City Court is to ensure that all citizens are provided the opportunity to have their cases thoroughly, fairly and efficiently heard in a respectful, legally required manner. As a lifelong educator, I view each case as a ‘teachable moment,’ and, by doing so, hopefully contribute to the safety and welfare of our city and its citizens. I will continue to work with city leaders to examine opportunities for the enhancement of all City Court functions.”