CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Seven residents announced their candidacy this week for City Council to represent northeast Clarksville’s Ward 12.

The candidates look to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Trisha Butler, effective April 7.

The City Charter and City Code outlined qualifications for council members and the process used to fill the vacancy: a council member must be a resident of the City of Clarksville; be at least 18; have resided in the city for 12 months; and reside in and be qualified to vote in the ward to which they seek appointment. All seven meet the qualifications.

Each candidate was introduced and questioned during the council’s meeting on Thursday.

Kirk Zeaman

Kirk Zeaman said he has been a resident of Clarksville for six years but has been visiting the city for more than 20 years.

He serves as the senior digital imaging engineer for Jostens. Zeaman received his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, his master’s from the University of Minnesota and is working to acquire his Ph.D.

Outside of his job, Zeaman volunteers as a deputy for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

David Bilan

David Bilan is a longtime resident, living in the city since 1991. He served in the Army as a soldier, and he worked for the military as a civilian.

Bilan said his experience in management, journalism and community involvement would make him a good fit for the position. When asked about his greatest accomplishment, Bilan cited coordinating coverage of presidential visits at Fort Campbell.

Zoyie Jackson

Zoyie Jackson has been a resident of Ward 12 since 2018. She served more than 20 years as soldier, and she received a Purple Heart for her service in combat.

Jackson said she’s a college graduate and business owner, while serving in multiple community organizations, among them Women Veterans of America Chapter 47 where she serves as president, and in community relations for the NAACP.

She is also a member of the Clarksville Rotary Club, member of the Montgomery County Veteran Coalition, board member of the Red Cross, vice chair of the Black Caucus and founder of Women in Transition Ministries.

David Webb

David Webb was one of the six candidates who ran for Ward 12 in 2020, when Butler was elected to the council. He said that even though he wasn’t elected, he hasn’t stopped working for his community. Webb said he has worked on projects ranging from ADA problems to traffic issues.

Webb is an Air Force combat veteran, and he obtained a bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay State University.

Keri Lovato

Keri Lovato has lived in Clarksville since 2012 and is an insurance agent.

She founded a networking group that focuses on the success of small businesses and local nonprofits. Lovato is in the process of creating a second group that would support women and the Safe House Program. Lovato said she has overseen fundraising campaigns for numerous nonprofits in the city.

Kenneth Pointe

Kenneth Pointe is a veteran of the Army with 20 years of service. Following his career in the Army, Pointe worked as a postal worker for 21 years until his retirement.

He said he would describe himself as a team player, and that he’s running with the hope of “joining the team.”

Miacia Porter-Clark

Miacia Porter-Clark is a native of Nashville but has lived in Clarksville for more than a year after becoming a first-time homeowner.

She attended Middle Tennessee State University for her undergraduate degree, Howard University for her master’s and is enrolled at Trevecca Nazarene University, where she’s looking to acquire her doctorate.

What’s next

The council will hold a special meeting to vote to appoint one of the candidates on Wednesday, May 10, at 4:30 p.m.

Whoever is appointed will complete the remainder of the unexpired term until the next city general election.