CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Political newcomer Wes Golden won election to mayor of Montgomery County on Thursday night, defeating Jo Ellen “Jodi” O’Connor to replace retiring Mayor Jim Durrett.
“It’s a humbling feeling; it’s a feeling that I don’t want to let go,” Golden told Clarksville Now. “I’m so grateful that God has given me this opportunity to serve.” He thanked especially his “rock star” wife Sara for her hard work during the campaign.
Golden won with 10,500 votes to O’Connor’s 5,180.
“This was a goal, but I try not to celebrate goals too much; I try to celebrate progress every day,” he said. “This is a big moment for us, but now we need to be looking at the work ahead.”
On his opponent, Golden said he’s glad she ran for office.
“Anytime someone runs for an office, it gets others more interested in the community,” Golden said. “I had the opportunity to meet her several times, and I wish her the best in her endeavors.”
O’Conner told Clarksville Now Thursday night she had a “great experience” running for mayor.
“I’m glad I did it, it’s been a great opportunity,” she said. “I am happy for Wes – I hope he does a very good job.
“I hope he will follow through on these latest campaign promises to get paid firefighters in the county, lack of land, and school issues. Those are his most recent campaign promises, and that’s what I expect him to do,” she said.
MORE: Final results for all races in Montgomery County election and local results of state primary
About the candidates
Wes Golden, the current Health and Safety manager for the City of Clarksville, previously served as a firefighter and licensed emergency medical technician with Clarksville Fire Rescue. In addition to his six years as a first responder, Golden worked in environmental health and safety at Martinrea, where he was placed over safety for all of Martinrea’s U.S. production facilities. He also worked in safety and loss prevention at the former Dow Corning facility in Clarksville.
Jo Ellen “Jodi” O’Connor has been practicing real estate, as Jodi Griffey, for the last 20-plus years. O’Connor grew up in Clarksville and is a graduate of Austin Peay State University. In 2001, she obtained her real estate license. In 2008, she developed a subdivision off of Exit 11 (Wilsonway Estates). Prior to real estate, she was the coordinator for Development and Fundraising for Make-A-Wish Foundation, volunteer director for St. Francis Hospital (Memphis), and prior to that worked for the Kullman Law Firm (New Orleans).
Christian Brown and Chris Smith contributed to this report.