Clarksville hears multiple Ward 2 candidates at packed forum ahead of Feb. 11 appointment

More than a dozen people seeking to fill the Ward 2 vacancy addressed the Clarksville City Council during a forum on Feb. 5, each given five minutes to state qualifications and answer council questions ahead of a Feb. 11 special session to select an appointee.

The applicants presented a mix of backgrounds and priorities but many emphasized similar concerns: safety and services for children, sidewalk and traffic improvements, and fiscal stewardship. In his remarks, Eric (introduced by the mayor as Eric Claunch and who self‑identified during his statement) said the "number 1 priority would be our youth," tying school safety, sidewalks and local employment to his agenda. David R. Upchurch said his "main worry right now is the kids that are going hungry" when schools are closed and urged partnerships for food distribution. Jeff Lloyd, who described work with adaptive athletics, said, "Accessibility isn't a special interest," urging that parks and public investments be designed to serve veterans, seniors and people with disabilities.

Candidates described different approaches to revenue and projects: some said the city should pursue more federal and TDOT grants for sidewalks and road projects; others suggested reviewing fees and permits or tightening internal spending. Multiple candidates said they would run for the seat in November whether or not they were appointed now.

Council members asked each candidate about availability, decision‑making when tradeoffs are required, and how they would respond if staff or consultants presented findings that contradicted popular belief. Several applicants described plans to consult department heads and subject‑matter experts before voting on complex issues. One candidate, Accention "AC" Lopez Jr., stressed neighborhood engagement and said Ward 2 has large stretches of state‑owned roads that complicate local repairs.

Why it matters: The appointment will fill the remainder of an unexpired term and could shape local votes on zoning, infrastructure and parks; the City Attorney earlier explained that the council will use roll‑call voice votes across multiple elimination rounds and that a majority of the entire membership is required to confirm an appointee.

What’s next: The council scheduled a special session for Feb. 11 at 4:30 p.m. to hold the roll‑call votes and, if an applicant receives a majority, the mayor will immediately swear in the appointee.

Sources: Candidate statements and council questioning during the Feb. 5 council meeting.