Clarksville, TN – Montgomery County and the City of Clarksville have asked that Regional Airport Authority board member Jerry Clark resign. Clark, of Clark and Associates Architects, has been on the airport authority for several years, and is currently working with other board members overseeing the building of a new airport terminal at Outlaw Field.
In a meeting this past Monday, Clark was asked by County Mayor Carolyn Bowers and City Mayor Kim McMillan to resign, due to a potential conflict of interest. During a recent audit of federal grants provided to the City/County for the construction of the airport facility, auditors raised concerns over a law that prohibits individuals who are doing business with the City/County while serving in an official capacity, such as boards or commissions.
Clark’s firm does business with both the city and county, but is not involved with the new airport terminal. According to sources, there has been no wrongdoing by either parties involved, and until the law governing this situation is clarified, both the City and County have asked Clark to resign.
“The law affects boards, authorities and commissions rather than committees because they have more authority.” said County Mayor Carolyn Bowers. “Mr Clark is only the first person that has been spoken with about this issue, but several others will be affected once they go through all of the boards, authorities, and commissions on the County and City” Bowers stated.
The mayors were advised by the CTAS attorney and the county attorney with the upcoming bids going out for the RichEllen Park, that anyone wishing to do business with the county could not serve in these capacities.
Clark has made no comment until he receives legal counsel, and has not resigned from the airport authority. The law could have serious implications on both the City/County as many citizens who’s companies do business with local governments, also serve on various boards and commissions.
An Attorney Generals opinion on the Airport Authority “Conflict of Interest” issue is expected soon.
Mayor McMillan denies that she and Mayor Bowers asked Jerry Clark to resign. When questioned by a council member about the city council not being informed the mayor emailed council members and stated “No decisions have been made and there is nothing final to report to the Council.”
Thank you
Bill Summers
Ward 10