Nick Steward Candidate for Clarksville City Council for Ward 1 held a meet and greet with the voter of his ward today in Patriot’s Park. About 50 people showed up to enjoy what was billed as a picnic with hotdogs and hamburgers.
He is running to give something back to the community. “I’ve seen a lot of the progress we have had in the community over the last few years, and I have been very thankful for everything that Clarksville has given to my family and I over the last few years and I want to, no, I need to give something back to the community that has given us so much”
Steward is a Realtor with Keller Williams, and will be opening a business of his own in Clarksville in the near future.
Steward has identified several issues that he feels it is vital that we as a community focus on in the next few years, these include transportation, Recreation opportunities, consolidated government, and enacting smart development practices.
Transportation
Clarksville is one of the fastest growing cities in the state and in order to accommodate our new residents, Steward feels that we need to be more proactive with dealing with our transportation infrastructure needs. The completion of the extension of the 101st Airborne Parkway to south Clarksville is one of the items. The state has not allocated the funds to complete the extension, so Steward would like to see if the city can through “some creative financing options” come up with a way to help the state to get the job done.
When asked he stated that he feels the north Clarksville extension was and is still sorely needed, he understands “the frustration” of the property owners who would have been affected by that corridor. But project is a needed for a long term transportation solution for the projected traffic issues that North Clarksville faces. “There is a possibility of a 5th brigade coming to Fort Campbell, and with imminent construction of the Wings of Liberty Museum we will see a large influx of new vehicles traveling on our already congested roadways.”
Recreation
One issue that his neighbors in Ward 1 raised was a lack of recreation facilities serving their neighborhoods. Steward feels that the city must take steps to help rectify this issue, “I feel that there is a growing need with all of the new homes built in North Clarksville that we need neighborhood parks facilities, and a stepped up recruitment program to bring quality shopping and entertainment options into the area.”
Steward also feels that we have been ignoring a major force that could help fuel future economic growth in our city. That is being more proactive in marketing Clarksville, TN to the soldiers and their families stationed at Fort Campbell.
“We lose a lot of the entertainment dollars to Oak Grove, Hopkinsville, and Nashville. Clarksville has a lot of assets that should be brought to their attention including Austin Peay State University, Beachaven Winery, the Clarksville Speedway, the Roxy Regional Theatre, and Dunbar Cave State Natural area. These attractions help distinguish our city from neighboring communities.”
Steward was also unabashed in his support for the Liberty Park Project (the Clarksville Marina), “With miles of walking trails, the new Wilma Rudolph pavilion, the new fishing pond, the outdoor amphitheater, and sports fields that it will offer when completed, will make it one of the most family friendly destinations for our community.
Smart Development Practices
Steward also feels that the City Leadership has taken a step in the right direction by creating the Smart Growth 2030 plan, “In 20 years I would hope to see Clarksville having adopted many of the projects and proposals that are layed out in the Smart Growth 2030 plan.” Steward served on the committee that drew up the development plan.
Consolidated government
He also feels that it is in the long term interest of the citizens of Clarksville and Montgomery County to convert to metropolitan form of government. He feels that this form of government would bring expanded services to the community, and would eliminate some of duplication that exists between the two governments. He knows there is resistance to this proposal from County Residents due to the concern that “They would face higher taxes without getting the benefits the current residents of the city receive,” but he feels that those concerns can be addressed.
When asked why he feels that the residents of Ward 1 should elect him to replace outgoing City Councilwoman Barbara Johnson. Steward said:
As a recent veteran and now an army spouse, in my life I face many of the same issues as the residents of my ward. In addition I have been actively endeavoring to come to a better understanding of how the local government operates, and the needs and issues facing our community. I have spent the last year attending all of the City Council sessions, and a many of the other meeting held by the various governmental committees.
I currently serve on the Public Building Authority, and have also served on the committee that developed the Smart growth 2030 plan which has helped me to develop a clearer vision of where we as a city need to go.
I am enthusiastic about our community and the direction that we as a city are heading. I would ask for support from the voters of Ward 1.
Nick Steward will be facing off with John Leckrone for Ward 1 in the City of Clarksville’s General Election in November. To find our more about him, check out his Facebook page.
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