Updated with statement from Wanda Smith.
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Mark Riggins won a tight city mayor’s race Tuesday night, beating Wanda Smith by only 1,010 votes.
In a watch party speech at The Venue, Riggins thanked his family and supporters, and pointed to his faith for his victory. “Over 30 years ago, I went to work for the City of Clarksville with a jackhammer in the Street Department,” he said. “Tonight, the people of Clarksville have chosen me to be their mayor, and I am humbled and grateful.”
“We are for everybody, and I’m excited about that,” he said. “This city has lost its trust in the city government. From the public to the council and everything else, just the way things have been done. … And I’m excited about earning that trust back, being transparent and forward with everything we do, and getting Clarksville back the way we all want it to be.
“The City of Clarksville, under my administration, we will not forget who we work for,” he said. Riggins added than on “day one” he plans to work toward opening the books, getting traffic moving, and finishing the projects promised by the city. “It’s time to move Clarksville ahead, together,” he said.
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Riggins had 44% of the vote to Smith’s 42%. Brian Zacharias came in third with 13%.
Smith: Proud of results despite loss
Smith said she’s proud of her showing in the race, particularly given that she won most of the early and absentee vote, and finished with 42% – better than any previous minority mayor candidates.
“Although I did not end up with the most votes on Nov. 3, I congratulate Mark and wish him God’s speed,” she said in a statement to Clarksville Now on Thursday. She also thanked all of her supporters and volunteers.
“With this, I am dedicated to supporting my ideas of smart growth and smart infrastructure for Clarksville’s growth, balanced budget, infrastructure, social engagement, high-paying jobs, affordable homes, low taxes, and an amusement park to make Clarksville a place residents love to call home,” Smith said. “Thank you, Clarksville, for believing in my vision, and for a fun, interesting campaign ride. Until the next time, stay informed, be vigilant, and speak up for equality and fairness for all.”
Zacharias: An honor to participate
Zacharias said he was disappointed, but it was an honor to participate in the process.
“Mark ran a great race, and I have no doubt he will do his best for Clarksville. I want to thank everyone who supported me in this race, but especially my wife, Jen, without whom none of this would have been possible,” Zacharias said. “A bad day for me can still be a great day for the country, however, and I am encouraged by the results we’re seeing from across the state and around the country.”
Christian Brown and Jazmin Logan contributed to this report.
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About the candidates
Mark Riggins has spent nearly three decades as a City of Clarksville employee, beginning his career as a laborer and working his way to senior leadership roles, including general manager of Clarksville Gas and Water. He previously served two terms on the Montgomery County Commission.
Wanda Smith is a 12-year member of the City Council and former mayor pro tem. She served as a federal employee at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital in Patient Administration and is a longtime small-business owner. She has earned a Doctor of Theology and three master’s degrees: Legal Studies, Criminal Justice and Divinity from Vanderbilt University.
Brian Zacharias is an Army veteran and public school educator. He has served as Clarksville mayor pro tem and City Council representative for Ward 1. He holds an Associate of Applied Science in Intelligence Operations and Arabic, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and a Master of Education in Secondary Education.
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