Commissioner Clark reflects on commitment to listening, community engagement

As Kingston Springs approaches its elections on Nov. 5, City Commissioner Carolyn Clark is preparing to step down from her position on the board after a single term. Clark sat down with the Gazette to reflect on her four years of service, emphasizing the importance of listening to the voices of the community. 

Elected in 2020, Clark made it her mission to ensure that the concerns and ideas of local residents were not only heard but actively addressed.

“Sometimes the voice of the regular citizen can get lost or ignored in the machinations of government,” Clark said. “Having felt that way myself, I wanted to be the elected official who actively listens to everyone, validates their perspectives, and partners with them to find solutions to their problems or champions their ideas.”

Throughout her tenure, Clark established innovative ways to engage with the public. “I set up listening booths at the Farmer’s Market and at Lawrence Foods, and I followed up in writing with each citizen who came to our board meetings and made a public comment,” she said. Her commitment to community feedback also included mailing out surveys to residents.

Clark said she was proud of the tangible outcomes of her efforts, recalling that she submitted an agenda item based on citizen input at virtually every meeting. Among her proudest achievements were enhancements to the public notice section of the zoning ordinance, the installation of an AED in Burns Park, and the revival of a resolution encouraging TDOT to work on SR249. She also initiated “No Mow Month” in April, acquired a grant to place litter signs around town and launched a Community Member Recognition Award program.

In addition to her advocacy for public engagement, Clark wrote nearly 30 articles for the county’s newspaper and sent out hundreds of informational letters to keep residents informed. “I hope that my service helped to raise the expectations of community members,” she said. “They deserve to be heard and responded to respectfully, not just placated.”

Clark describes herself as a “proud military brat” who was born in Newfoundland, Canada and lived all over the U.S. and in Germany. She and her husband made Kingston Springs their home in 2004. 

Looking ahead, Clark believes the town remains vibrant and filled with potential. “As elected officials, we work for and represent the interests of the people who give us the honor of holding this position,” she said.