ELECTION 2014: More reader endorsements for city mayor

Last week in this space we outlined the essential elements of a case for and a case against each of the three candidates for Clarksville mayor: Kim McMillan, Jeff Burkhart and Bill Summers. Readers were invited to consider the arguments and then offer a brief personal endorsement (100 words or less) of their candidate of choice. An early round of submissions, mostly in favor of Summers, was published Tuesday. Here are the endorsements submitted by readers as of 5 p.m. Thursday. This concludes the readers endorsements project, and thanks to all who participated.

For Kim McMillan

• Kim McMillan has represented the citizens of Clarksville with integrity and fairness and should remain our mayor. She knows how to work with others to get things done. She has the most leadership experience. Mayor McMillan works each day to ensure Clarksville remains a great city to live, work and raise children. – Kim Smith Taylor, 37040

• As a supporter of Kim McMillan, I see that there now are major activities going on in Clarksville that have been talked about for several years and not made progress. The changes at Madison Street and the Bypass are both good examples. She also has gotten a group to pay for a study to bring passenger rail to Clarksville, which will alleviate traffic congestion that is getting worse. For anyone who complains about another study, I say “learn the process.” Kim understands how to get things done by using the systems in place. – Elisa Nixon, 37042

• I’m voting for Kim McMillan. She is very knowledgeable and educated. From my perspective, she votes on matters that will be the best for all citizens, not just one party. I am not swayed by accusations, speculations, labels and assumptions. All I have seen from her is kindness, approachability and a willingness to serve. She was more than willing to hear a presentation, in her office, from a few of my church members, about our volunteer program and she has happily attended several of our community events. – Erin Jones 37042

• I strongly urge you to re-elect Mayor Kim McMillan. As a state representative, she made substantial contributions, through public service, to improving the quality of life in Montgomery County and Tennessee. A close friend of mine serves as an assistant to Gov. Phil Bredesen and they have both praised McMillan’s service under his administration. Additionally, I have known Nashville Mayor Karl Dean since 1996, and Mayor McMillan’s relationship with him is unsurpassed. There have been accusations that Mayor McMillan is a career politician when, in fact, she is a career public servant. – Bettye Lynn Head

• I’ve always been told that there are two sides to every story. For those who would criticize Mayor McMillan for not building a “signature project,” I’d say that the other side is that she hasn’t spent our hard-earned taxes on a whim. We have seen plenty of new businesses come and go for different reasons. It makes sense to me to lay the groundwork for success, before we throw a lot of money at something. I support Kim because I trust that she’s taking care of my money. I can’t say that about a lot of people. – Cindy Wheeler, 37042

• Mayor Kim McMillan has brought many kudos to Clarksville and Tennessee. Her expertise, experience and record speak for themselves. Let’s keep Kim! – Virginia Lowe, 37043

For Bill Summers

• I am writing to express my support for Bill Summers for mayor. Bill captured my attention with his service as a councilman, but has won my vote based on the platform he shared a year ago and has promoted ever since. With Bill I can expect attention to public safety, infrastructure and the support of small business. Further, as a downtown business owner, I appreciate his support of the urban park concept, a performing arts center and a downtown convention center. It’s time to vote for the candidate who is willing to put Clarksville first. – Sherri Robinson, 37040