In a press statement, Baggett said ” When you see the weak participation in the August primary election it is remarkable and rewarding to see young people step into the political fray. I am very pleased to see that we have now three young people in addition to myself that stepped forward with a desire to represent Ward 5.”

He continued, “After much study and soul searching, I have decided to withdraw from the race for the open Clarksville City Council Ward 5 Seat. It is now time to for me to step aside and allow these fine young people to take their place representing this Ward, myself and my family. I have plenty of work and other interests to keep me busy so I will be pleased to sit this election out and watch as these young people embrace the future.”

Referring to his candidacy, he says he is “your vote for change.” Topping his list of issues is redevelopment, which he maintains “should not be done on the backs of the public,” and he particularly the use of eminent domain as a tool ripe for abuse. TIF (Tax Incentive Financing), a critical component of the city’s redevelopment strategy, “is a serious mistake; each dollar diverted must be replaced by the people.” The whole process of eminent domain should not be done so that the city can maximize taxes, Baggett said.

Baggett takes issue with the “revisiting” of passed legislation that is subsequently found to be flawed, as the original redevelopment ordinance was. “If you don’t know (or aren’t sure), postpone.” He chastised city officials for not doing their homework before passing new legislation.

In his position statement, Baggett advocates:

• City Charter change to require a runoff election for City Mayor if the leading candidate wins by less than 50% of the vote
• Eminent domain should be used sparingly and only for Government facilities such as roads, schools, and utilities easements.
• Focus on the maintenance of high stanbdards of honesty, integrity, impartiality and conduct by employees and agents of the city (full/part time, paid and unpaid, elected or appointed to any board, commission, council, authority, corporation or other body sanctioned by the city)
• Retention of ward representation (he opposes “at large” council representation)
• Placing all boards and groups such as DDP (Downtown District Partnership) under the “Regional Planning Commission” since planning is their chartered responsibility.
• Consolidated government and streamlining government to maximize efficiency and productivity. “A consolidated government built around Constitutional officers.”

Baggett is a two-term former County Commissioner, and came in second to County Mayor  Bowers in the 2006 election.

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“It is time for thoughtful leaders, and long past time to end the “yes” mentality to spending. We can no longer afford to have bobble-head council representation. The future will be what We make it, and we will not leave it to others to decide! Self-interest must never be allowed to be a consideration when conducting public business.”

– Lewis Baggett, Ward 5 City Council candidate

Noting that ‘experience matters,” Baggett cites his prior work as a two-term former County Commissioner. He is a retired Army Major with the Corp of Engineers, having enlisted in the service in 1964, retiring as a major in 1992. he has worked as a Probation Parole Manager for the State of Tennessee. he is married and the father of two adult children. Baggett was born in Montgomery County, attended school here and is a graduate of Austin Peay State University.