Sumner County panel forwards two library board nominees after public comment and debate

The Sumner County Committee on Committees voted to forward the nominations of Eric Stockton and Mike Ray to the county library board after public comment and an extended discussion about board vacancies and selection criteria.

The vote to advance Stockton and Ray passed during the committee meeting in February 2025. The action followed public comment from residents urging commissioners to appoint candidates they described as willing to serve and supportive remarks from commissioners who said the nominees had strong community backing.

Why it matters: The library board has had open seats for about a year, commissioners said during the meeting, and several residents and applicants told the committee they want the vacancies filled. Commissioners discussed whether the board should remain at 11 members or be reduced to nine, and whether applicants should be evaluated for specific skills such as grant-writing, human resources or finance.

Public comment: A resident identified as Mr. Baker told the committee he was “appalled” at the prior process for filling library seats and urged commissioners to give prospective appointees a chance. Mr. Baker said he had attended many county meetings and characterized the remainder of the committee’s earlier deliberations as “political agenda.”

Applicant remarks: Chris Schumacher, who identified himself and said he had submitted a letter of interest, addressed the committee and said he has a background in public service, a bachelor’s degree in fire administration and has helped write FEMA grant applications for volunteer fire apparatus. Schumacher said his 7-year-old daughter uses county libraries and that northern Sumner County needs representation; he asked commissioners to fill the vacancies.

Commissioner discussion: Commissioners debated whether to keep the library board at 11 members or reduce it to nine. One commissioner said a state statute sets the number of library board members but did not quote the statute or provide a citation; another said the board had previously voted internally to remain at 11. Several commissioners said they would listen to constituents’ emails and resumes before final floor votes.

Outcome and next steps: The committee moved and voted to forward the nominations of Eric Stockton and Mike Ray to the full county commission; the committee chair announced, “It passes.” The nominations will be considered at a future county commission meeting. Commissioners and the public also discussed whether appointees who are repeatedly voted down would choose to reappear and whether commissioners who oppose appointments should state their reasons at the county meeting.

Ending: The committee’s action fills two of the board’s vacancies for now; commissioners said they will evaluate additional applicants as they come forward and that the full commission will make the final appointments.