Clarksville Councilwoman Butler resigns, cites family's love

Kenya Anderson, Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle
·2 min read

Clarksville City councilwoman Trisha Butler announced her resignation as councilperson for Ward 12.

In her resignation letter to Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts dated Feb. 26, Butler said her husband, daughter and sons "have sacrificed so much" to be loving and supportive, but "they deserve a present and engaged mom."

Butler shared her resignation in a Twitter post that said that while she is devastated to let down her constituents, she no longer believes she can be as effective in her position as they deserve.

"When I began the journey to this office in 2019, I did so to show stay-at-home moms, high school dropouts, younger generations, eccentrics and transplants that local governance was a place for please like them; for anyone willing to put in the work," Butler said in the letter. "I will be forever overwhelmed by Ward 12's confidence in electing me."

Election and achievements as council member

Butler was elected to the city council in 2019 when she won Ward 12, succeeding Jeff Burkhart.

During her tenure, Butler has supported the growth of Clarksville by voting for new housing with Old Russellville Pike rezoning and Rossview Road.

Butler sponsored a resolution that would have opposed the COVID-19 federal vaccination mandate and attempted to defund Clarksville's municipal golf courses during talks of the city's budget.

Recently, she sponsored a resolution to cut the funding of the Roxy Theatre after allegations of harassment from its director became known.

Interim election during special session

City Council will vote for an interim councilperson for Ward 12 to finish Butler's term in a special session in May.

Anyone who wants to be considered for selection as Butler's interim replacement in the Ward 12 council seat must appear before the council on May 4 to make formal introductions.

Further specific details about the process for selecting an interim Ward 12 replacement will come later, said City Clerk Lisa Canfield.

This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Councilwoman Trisha Butler announces resignations