CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) The Charter Commission Committee for Consolidated Government met for the first time Thursday. It was an organizational meeting for the group of local business and community leaders who will form the charter for consolidated government for Clarksville-Montgomery County.
The commission members were nominated by Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett and approved by the County Commission as well as appointed by Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan and approved by the City Council. There are 10 members from the county and 5 from the city.
The Charter Commission for Consolidated Government members are:
Debbie Frasier-Clarksville Finance Director
Keith Lampkin-Clarksville Community and Economic Office Director
Mark Smith-Retired former Clarksville Police Chief
Katie Gambill-President & General Manager of 5 Star Media Group
Bob Yates-Principal at Thurman Campbell CPA
Lynn Stokes-Retired former Internal Audit Director for Clarksville
Carl Wilson-Former General Manager of CEMC
Mark Kelly-Former Montgomery County Commissioner
Ray Williams-Clarksville Fire Rescue Deputy Chief
Jay Runyon-Attorney at Runyon & Runyon
Charlie Foust-Owner of Clarksville Foundry
Katy Olitia-Attorney at Batson Nolan
Don Jenkins-Owner of Jenkins & Wynne Ford/Honda
and John Hunter-Deputy Garrison Commander at Fort Campbell
One of the appointed members, Candy Johnson, was not able to commit to the commission and the other members talked about filling the position. A motion was made and passed to appoint Maria Jimenez, of Jimenez Consulting & Tax Services, to be on the charter commission.
One of the first orders of business was electing officers for the commission, Katie Gambill, was elected Chairman, Katy Olitia was elected Secretary and Charlie Foust was voted in as Vice-Chairman. Members agreed other officers and the structure of the commission would be decided in the future.
Gambill talked about her post as as Charter Commission Chairman. “I am honored to serve with this group of citizens. I believe this group has the community’s best interest at heart and will work hard to create a charter that represents all of Clarksville Montgomery County,” Gambill said.
Gambill mentioned some of the things the charter commission is charged with such as determining a new government, what will the legislative body consist of, who will be the top executive, who will be in charge of public safety, working out financial procedures, and determining public works.
Members spoke Thursday about how it appears that many residents in the county are opposed to the idea of consolidated government. It was also discussed that many people in both the city and county are concerned about issues like increased taxes, their jobs, zoning issues and gun law restrictions outside the city.
