The Putnam County Commissioners appointed David Manson to fill the vacant seat in District 7 at Monday night’s meeting.
Manson said he is originally from Cookeville and studied engineering at Tennessee Tech. Manson is a contractor and engineer and currently runs his own business. Manson said he wanted to be a commissioner because he enjoyed serving in other capacities in Putnam County.
“I really just want to represent all of the folks that are in my area,” Manson said. “Be a voice for them. See what their concerns are. Some of the concerns that they have voiced to me are infrastructure, transportation, make sure we’ve got the appropriate stuff in place for responsible growth as we move on.”
Manson approved on a 19-2 vote. Mike Medley and John Sharp were also in consideration for the Commission’s vacancy.
Manson said his previous roles in public service included six years with the regional planning commission and a volunteer role with the utility court. Manson said this paired with his business experience translates well to his new role.
“I run my own company, manage budgets, manage crews, manage people, and work with all sorts of folks,” Manson said. “So I think I can experience to bear and work with all the County Commissioners in being a representative for the area.”
Commissioner Danny Holmes represents District 4. Holmes said Manson is a good fit for the commission, and it was an easy process to bring him on board. Holmes said a big factor in his decision was that Grover Bennett, the other Commissioner from District 7, wanted to serve alongside Manson. Bennett was absent from Monday’s meeting.
Holmes said getting Manson up to speed should be a quick process. Holmes said it is important for the Commission to fill vacancies fast.
“I think we need the whole Commission representing their districts,” Holmes said. “And when you have a vacancy, you know, you want to fill it as quickly as you can and bring him up to speed. And I think he’ll do a fantastic job.”
Manson joined the Commission immediately after he was sworn in, and voted on a few agenda items to close the meeting. His predecessor, AJ Donadio, stepped down from the position because he moved outside of his district.
In other business, the Putnam County Commission elected new officers. Chris Cassetty will remain the Commission Chair, Ben Rodgers will be Chairman Pro Tem, and Jonathan Williams will be the Parliamentarian.
The new Planning Committee Chair is Darren Wilson, and Vinnie Faccinto will serve as Vice Chair.
The Planning Committee approved the sale of a 2020 Ford F-450 chassis via online auction.