Clarksville mayor, 7 council members sworn into office

Kenya Anderson, Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle
·2 min read

In a special session held at Wilma Rudolph Event Center Wednesday afternoon, Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts and seven city council members took their oath of office.

Pitts was sworn in by Judge Charles Smith to begin his second term as the city's mayor.

Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts is sworn in to his second term by Judge Charles Smith during a special session at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center in Clarksville, Tenn. on Jan. 4, 2023.
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts is sworn in to his second term by Judge Charles Smith during a special session at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center in Clarksville, Tenn. on Jan. 4, 2023.

Pitts won re-election in November and looks forward to beginning his second term.

“The 2022 election is over, and the people have spoken,” Pitts said. “It’s time to get back to business and the next four years bring great promise for our city.”

Pitts said he looks forward to continuing the progress that’s been made, and mentioned a few notable anniversaries that will be celebrated in the next four years.

Next year the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center celebrates 40 years. In 2025, Clarksville will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1999 tornado that came through the city, and in 2027 Austin Peay will celebrate its 100th year of being a state university.

"I look forward to continuing the progress we have made over the past four years, and will work diligently to ensure our city is safe for everyone," Pitts said. "While we have enjoyed tremendous prosperity, we still have work to do."

After taking the oath, Pitts swore in the seven city council members who were elected in November.

Wanda Smith, Ward 6 representative, gives a speech after being elected Mayor Pro Team by the city council in Clarksville, Tenn. on Jan. 4, 2023.
Wanda Smith, Ward 6 representative, gives a speech after being elected Mayor Pro Team by the city council in Clarksville, Tenn. on Jan. 4, 2023.

Brian Zacharias of Ward 1, Deanna McLaughlin of Ward 2, Amber Marquis of Ward 5, Wanda Smith of Ward 6, Travis Holleman of Ward 7, Stacey Streetman of Ward 10 and Joe Shakeenab of Ward 11.

Smith was sworn in a second time after being unanimously elected the Mayor Pro Tem.

“This is my last term, but I am grateful to work with Mayor Pitts, who is making the vision of Clarksville a thriving reality,” Smith said.

The city council's first regular monthly session of the year is Thursday, Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 106 Public Square.

Reporter Kenya Anderson can be reached at kanderson@gannett.com or on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Mayor and council take oaths