Updated with additional details, comments from Mayor Wes Golden, Rashidah Leverett.
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – After around 15 minutes of debate, the Montgomery County Commission voted 11-10 to replace Republican Mayor Wes Golden as the chairperson of the legislative body.
Democratic Commissioner Rashidah Leverett will now serve in Golden’s place for 2026-27. The conversation over replacing Golden began last week as County Commissioner Walker Woodruff made everyone aware of the motion he prepared to bring forward at Monday’s formal meeting.
While no one addressed their concerns last week, a number of commissioners questioned the thought process behind the motion for a new chair. Much of the conversation revolved around the recent county election, which gave Montgomery County Democrats an 11-seat majority for the first time since the county races became partisan. The election left 7 Republicans and 3 independents on the body.
Leverett made history in two other ways as well: She becomes the first Black chairperson and the second woman in the seat.
| PREVIOUSLY: Proposal expected next week to replace Mayor Wes Golden as chair of County Commission
Commissioners speak up for Golden, address concerns
During the debate, Commissioner John Gannon said that he has to stick by the mayor’s side, as he has done nothing wrong. “Wes Golden has run for mayor and already served for four years. He just got re-elected expecting to be the chair of this body,” Gannon said. “He’s worked extra hard to make sure everybody in this chamber has been happy.
“It is true you can select somebody else as the chair if you have a charter, like Knoxville or Memphis does. There are other counties that have it as well, but it’s done on a bipartisan basis,” he said. “It’s a sad day when Clarksville county commissioners choose politics and party over the chair.”
Commissioner Joe Smith said before every commissioner votes, they should be able to answer the following question: “What is not working under Golden’s chairmanship? What has changed?” he asked. “Not a single thing; he hasn’t treated anyone any different, no matter what political party you are. He hasn’t denied commissioners the opportunity to be heard.”
Smith questioned why motion for this change now. “One political party has a majority,” he said. “But is that a reason to replace the mayor as chairman? I don’t believe so.”
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County Commissioner Nathan Burkholder said he has a lot of respect for both candidates, but if this is a partisan move, “just remember we have more elections coming,” he said. “And if we’re going to turn the County Commission into partisan circus, then so be it. But that’s not in the best interest of our constituents.”
Woodruff: ‘Our voters voted for us for change’
Woodruff said the selection of the chairperson has been made an issue when it doesn’t need to be one. “We have got to work together regardless of who is chair,” he said. “Our voters voted for us for change.
“Everyone listened to everybody on one side speak their piece. I see already that division is taking place, but I’m not here to cause division. I think Wes Golden has been a fantastic mayor; I don’t see anything wrong with Wes Golden. … I admire him, but we’ve got to work together. I don’t know why one side thinks that we can’t make this work.”
Beal: ‘Why are we even talking about sides’
County Commissioner Joshua Beal said as the “vocal independent of the body,” he finds it ironic that the commission is having this conversation.
“I see it every single day,” Beal said. “The fact that it’s on the flip side now, now we’re hearing about it again. It’s very frustrating for me. … Why are we even talking about sides? If we want to work together, let’s work together and do what’s best for the citizens of Montgomery County.”
Harper: ‘I’m actually a little bit sad that we’ve gotten to this point’
Commissioner David Harper said he just wants to caution the body about change for the reason of change, often fails. “That’s what I see us doing tonight, and I’m not happy about it.
“I’m actually a little bit sad that we’ve gotten to this point,” he said. “One of the things I’ve always said is at the local level … that’s not what it’s about. It’s about serving our constituents. I don’t see how this change would serve our constituents in a better manner.”
‘What does this have to do with? Changing the status quo’
County Commissioner Lisa Prichard said she’s amazed that people feel that this change is for nothing. “When all we’re looking to do is even the playing field,” Prichard said.
“And yes, we pretend not to see the division. The playing field is not even, but this will at least give us a chance; it has nothing to do with any individual person whatsoever. Mayor Golden is a great mayor; he’s a great person. This has nothing to do with him being in or out of the chair, because he will still be a great mayor and person. What does this have to do with? Changing the status quo.”
Breakdown of vote for legislative chair
Here is the roll call, by district, with party affiliation:
- 1: John Gannon, R – Golden
- 2: Ted Denny, R – Golden
- 3: Joe Smith, R – Golden
- 4: Rickey Ray, I – Golden
- 5: Rashidah Leverett, D – Leverett
- 6: Clayton Rudder, I – Golden
- 7: Nathan Burkholder, R – Golden
- 8: LaTonia Brown, D – Leverett
- 9: Lekeshia Hicks, D – Leverett
- 10: Jeremiah Walker, D – Leverett
- 11: Luther Hutchenson, D – Leverett
- 12: Carmelle Chandler, D – Leverett
- 13: Walker Woodruff, D – Leverett
- 14: Joshua Beal, I – Golden
- 15: David Harper, R – Golden
- 16: Lisa Prichard, D – Leverett
- 17: Chris Rasnic, D – Leverett
- 18: Tiffany Pearl Manning, D – Leverett
- 19: Cydney Daane, R – Golden
- 20: Renee Michelle Bruens, D – Leverett
- 21: Brad VanKirk, R – Golden
Golden: ‘Working together’ is important
The change in who chairs the commission doesn’t otherwise affect Golden’s role as county mayor, and he said after the meeting that he intends to move forward with a spirit of cooperation.
“Working together has always been important to me, and I believe our track record shows what we can accomplish when we do,” Golden said. “I respect the process, and I trust this commission to continue working together. I’m grateful for the trust our commissioners and our citizens have placed in me, and I look forward to continuing that work together, having open conversations, and doing what’s best for Montgomery County and the people we serve.”
Leverett: “Let’s get to work’
Leverett thanked the commission for putting their trust in her and promised to work with everyone. She shared the following statement with Clarksville Now:
“First, I want to thank every member of this commission for the confidence you have placed in me and, more importantly, for your continued commitment to the people of Montgomery County.
“One of the things I have always appreciated about this body is that while we may come from different political parties, different districts, different backgrounds, and sometimes very different perspectives, we have historically been able to work across those lines. We have laughed together, disagreed with one another, debated difficult issues, and still found a way to get the people’s business done. I fully expect that to continue.
“I believe healthy government requires checks and balances, but checks and balances do not mean conflict and dysfunction. They mean accountability, transparency, collaboration, and respect for the distinct responsibilities entrusted to each of us.
“… My commitment is that every commissioner will be treated fairly. Whether you supported me or did not support me, whether we agree on an issue or strongly disagree, when you seek recognition from this Chair, you will be heard and treated with respect. The gavel does not belong to one party, one district, or one person. It belongs to the people of Montgomery County.
“I am excited about continuing to work alongside Mayor Golden and his administration, our Economic Development Council, Industrial Development Board, our county departments, our school system, community partners, and our colleagues with the City of Clarksville. We are not competing governments. We are partners entrusted with different responsibilities for many of the same people.
“Montgomery County is growing, and with growth comes tremendous opportunity and tremendous responsibility. We have to think beyond the next meeting and even beyond the next budget year. We must ask what Montgomery County will need five, 10, and 20years from now: infrastructure, public safety, education, housing, economic development, fiscal responsibility, strong neighborhoods, and a quality of life that allows families to thrive.
“And as we make those decisions, we cannot forget the people who don’t have lobbyists or microphones. The senior citizen trying to remain in her home. The young family trying to afford housing. The veteran trying to navigate services. The small-business owner trying to grow. The working family watching every dollar. And the residents in every corner of this county who simply expect their government to work.
“We will not always agree. Good government doesn’t require us to agree on everything. It requires us to disagree responsibly, deliberate honestly, follow the law, respect one another, and never forget who sent us here.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside each of you, and I am excited about what we can accomplish together for this growing and thriving county.
“Now, let’s get to work.”
Chris Smith contributed to this report.
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