CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Montgomery County Commission has appointed a familiar face to the vacant District 6 seat: Clayton Rudder, who has served for years as the chamber’s sergeant-at-arms.

The seat was left open after former Commissioner Michael Lankford was appointed to represent state House District 75 in the Legislature during the December formal session, following the death of state Rep. Jeff Burkhart.

Last week, three candidates presented their qualifications for the position: Rudder, Chris Lancia and Randy Allbert.

2 rounds of voting for District 6 seat

In the first round of voting on Monday, two candidates pulled ahead. Rudder received 10 votes, Lancia received 8 and Allbert had 2. The commission failed to reach a majority, sending the vote into a second round.

During the second and final vote, Rudder advanced after receiving 12 votes, while Lancia received 7.

Voting for Rudder were Commissioners Jason Knight, Joe Smith, Rashida Leverett, LaTonia Brown, Jorge Padro, Jeremiah Walker, Joe Creek, Carmelle Chandler, Walker Woodruff, Lisa Prichard, Chris Rasnic and David Shelton.

Voting for Lancia were Commissioners John Gannon, Nathan Burkholder, Walker Woodruff, Joshua Beal, David Harper, Ryan Gallant, Billy Frye and Autumn Simmons.

About Clayton Rudder

Rudder is an Army veteran who has worked for 15 years with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. He currently serves as supervisor of the Circuit and Chancery Courts and as sergeant-of-arms for the Montgomery County Commission Chambers, roles he previously said give him firsthand insight into county operations.

‘We can do things that aren’t partisan’

Following the appointment, Rudder told Clarksville Now the vote was non-partisan, crossing party lines. “It was both parties,” he said. “It was an array of different people, and they put their trust in me. So I have to honor that and thank them. I think this is a good thing for the people of Montgomery County to see that we can do things that aren’t partisan.”

He said the people of District 6 can expect “an open ear” and can call him for anything they need. “I’m somebody who’s going to be cutting the grass just like they are and somebody who’s going to be at the grocery store. I’m just a person. I’m a deputy for the county – I’m a working man,” he said.

Rudder will serve as District 6 commissioner until the next county primary election in May, where all 21 commissioners will be up for re-election. The primary winners will then face off in the August general election.

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