CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Three applicants submitted interest letters and resumes to Montgomery County Government to fill the vacant District 6 County Commission seat left by Michael Lankford, who was appointed to represent state House District 75 in December, following the passing of the late state Rep. Jeff Burkhart.

The three applicants will each be given six minutes to speak at tonight’s County Commission meeting, at 6 p.m. at the Montgomery County Courthouse. Next week, on Jan. 12, the commission will vote to select one of them. The candidates are:

  • Randy Allbert
  • Christopher Lancia
  • Clayton Rudder

Randy Allbert

Allbert is owner of the Eastland Green and Pebble Brook Golf Course and previously served on the Montgomery County Commission from June 2021 to August 2022. He graduated from Montgomery Central High School in 1976.

Allbert said in his letter of intent he is ready to get work and try to make a difference in District 6, as well as throughout Montgomery County.

Christopher Lancia

Lancia, a U.S. Army veteran of 26 years, is president of the Night Stalker Association and works as chief of staff and strategy for the Tennessee Department of General Services.

“Although I’m not a Tennessee native, my family chose years ago to plant roots here because we love this community,” Lancia said in his letter of interest. “We live, work and volunteer alongside the same people whose lives are shaped by the decisions made by the (County) Commission.”

Lancia said he is seeking appointment because he believes service is most meaningful when it’s close to home. “We are a rapidly growing community navigating questions about infrastructure, schools, workforce housing, public safety and responsible development,” he said. “These conversations require steady leadership, strong relationships, and a willingness to listen. That’s where I’m at my best.”

Clayton Rudder

Rudder, is an Army veteran with 15 years of business experience in Montgomery County.

He worked for 15 years with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, as well as the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and he currently works as a supervisor of Circuit and Chancery Courts and as the sergeant-of-arms for the County Commission Chambers.

“I wish to serve in the role as the representative of District 6 and feel that the four plus years of being involved in both the informal and formal commission meetings has given me great insight into the procedural working and duties of the commission members,” Rudder said.

Correction: Christopher Lancia served in the U.S. Army for 26 years.

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