CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Businessman Chris Lanier, the Republican in the race, won the Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board District 6 seat over Army veteran Democrat Bernard Carter Jr.
Lanier told Clarksville Now he was “overjoyed” with the win, and for it to be over. “I’m glad that we are finally to this point, its been a long race,” Lanier said. “I am just ready to get to work. I am a worker, not a campaign runner. I am ready to do some stuff.”
Lanier carried 63% of the votes with 1,910. Carter had 1,128 votes.
Lanier said the key to his victory has been his involvement in the school system. “I am well attached to the school system and their employees. I have a background in charity and work with children, so I think it was a pretty easy deal for people to find that out today.”
The things he wants to work on? “Teacher retention, get back to school basics, and simple academics. Keeping students accountable for their actions will be key in keeping teachers retained. If we don’t uphold the student code of conduct, we are not going to keep a decent workforce. I have kids in the district, and I understand.”
Carter said he was disappointed, but, “I’m still motivated about the awesome students, our teachers, our school system.”
He said he doesn’t have any immediate plans to run for office again, “but who knows what the future holds?”
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About the candidates
Lanier, a Republican, is owner of Lanier Lawn & Landscape, a 24-year-old local business. Born and raised in Clarksville, he attended Norman Smith Elementary, graduated from Clarksville High School, and earned his degree in Agriculture from Austin Peay State University. He is a Leadership Clarksville Class of 2023 graduate.
Carter, a Democrat, was born in New York City and retired from the Army after 30 years of military service. He’s been a resident of Clarksville for over 20 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Trident University International.
Jeff Matthews, Knox Rives, Ricky Birchfield and Chris Smith contributed to this report.
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