Putnam County commission appoints David Madsen to fill District 7 vacancy

The Putnam County Commission on an evening vote appointed David Madsen to fill the vacancy in District 7.

The commission conducted a roll call after three applicants spoke: David Madsen, Mike Medley and Jonathan Sharp. Commissioners cast votes by naming their preferred candidate. According to the roll call announced by the clerk, Madsen received 19 votes, Medley received 1 and Sharp received 1. The chair said a majority of 13 or greater was required and declared Madsen the winner.

The commission then asked Madsen to come forward and administered the oath of office. Madsen repeated the oath, including a pledge to “support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Tennessee” and to “perform with fidelity the duties of the office of county commissioner for Putnam County.” The chair welcomed him and directed him to sign the required documents and use the handset assigned for the seat during the meeting.

The appointment followed the commission’s process described at the meeting: the clerk took nominations (none were made from the floor), each candidate was given up to three minutes to speak, and commissioners cast their votes aloud as their names were called. The clerk confirmed the tally and the chair announced the result and completed the swearing-in.

The action filled the existing vacancy on the commission; the transcript records two commissioners absent and one vacant seat prior to the appointment. No motions to reconsider were recorded during the meeting.

Votes and next steps: The newly appointed commissioner was sworn in and took the seat immediately for the remainder of the meeting. The clerk and chair confirmed paperwork and handset assignment before the commission continued with the agenda.