CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Seven new City Council members were sworn in Tuesday afternoon during the first session of 2021.

The new council also selected a new mayor pro tem in Ward 1 Councilman Richard Garrett, despite Mayor Joe Pitt’s initial nomination of Ward 4 Councilman Wallace Redd.

Ashlee Evans is sworn in as a City Council member on Jan. 5, 2020. (Richard Stevens, Contributed)
DaJuan Little is sworn in as a City Council member on Jan. 5, 2020. (Richard Stevens, Contributed)
Jason Knight is sworn in as a City Council member on Jan. 5, 2020. (Richard Stevens, Contributed)
Karen Reynolds is sworn in as a City Council member on Jan. 5, 2020. (Richard Stevens, Contributed)
Trisha Butler is sworn in as a City Council member on Jan. 5, 2020. (Richard Stevens, Contributed)
Wallace Redd is sworn in as a City Council member on Jan. 5, 2020. (Richard Stevens, Contributed)
Wanda Allen is sworn in as a City Council member on Jan. 5, 2020. (Richard Stevens, Contributed)

Six new council members, DaJuan Little (Ward 3), Jason Knight (Ward 5), Wanda Allen (Ward 8), Karen Reynolds (Ward 9), Ashlee Evans (Ward 11) and Trisha Butler (Ward 12) attended a special session where Pitts administered the oath of office.

Wallace Redd, who recently recovered from COVID-19 according to a city news release, chose to take the oath remotely.

Each of the new members was elected to a four-year term except Evans, who was elected to fill the remaining two years on the unexpired term in Ward 11. Ward 11’s seat was vacated by state Sen. Bill Powers in April 2019 following his election as senator, and had been temporarily filled by Gary Norris.

The five remaining members, Richard Garrett (Ward 1), Vondell Richmond (Ward 2), Wanda Smith (Ward 6), Travis Holleman (Ward 7) and Stacy Streetman (Ward 10) were elected in 2019 and have two years remaining on their terms.

Councilman Richard Garrett stands with his wife, Laquavia, after being elected Mayor Pro Tem by his colleagues Tuesday.
Councilwoman Trisha Butler, Ward 12, accepts a congratulatory elbow bump from Mayor Joe Pitts after being sworn into office Tuesday.

Garrett chosen as mayor pro tem

After the oath of office was administered, the new City Council saw to their first piece of formal business: the nomination and confirmation of a mayor pro tem.

Pitts initially nominated Redd for the position, citing his previous experience on both the City Council and County Commission.

Councilwoman Wanda Allen responded with opposition to the recommendation.

“I understand that Mr. Redd was on the council before; however, there are two people on the council currently that have the seniority, have been here and that know the ins and outs. I just don’t agree with the recommendation,” said Allen.

Councilman Vondell Richmond offered an amendment to nominate Garrett for the position.

The amendment was approved 9-3, with Redd, Streetman and Pitts voting no. Garrett abstained. The council then approved Garrett as mayor pro tem 12-0, with Garrett again abstaining.

“The vote of confidence that my fellow council members expressed by amending the mayor pro tem nomination to select me to serve in that capacity speaks volumes and is an honor I truly appreciate,” said Garrett. “I look forward to serving in this new capacity alongside this passionate group of servant leaders.”

After the special session, the council held its first executive session. During a lengthy zoning discussion, Councilwoman Reynolds referred to the proceedings as a “baptism by fire.”

The new City Council will hold its first regular session on Thursday, Jan. 7.