Clark Tenney to Replace Billie Orr on City Council

Clark Tenney, a Prescott resident for 38 years, was appointed by a 6-0 vote of the City Council to replace former Councilmember Billie Orr, who resigned in January because of health reasons.
Tenney, currently assistant principal at Prescott High School, said he would be a moderate conservative voice on the council, unfettered by a narrow interest group of constituents.
He was sworn by Mayor Pro Tem Alexa Scholl. 
Tenney was selected from among five finalists. Andre Carman, withdrew his name from consideration the morning of the Feb. 16 special meeting. Other finalists were Connie Cantelme, Jim Lamerson and Eric Moore. 
Council members interviewed and ranked the finalists, narrowing the choices to Moore and Tenney.
After he was named, Mayor Greg Mengarelli said Tenney was the candidate who “epitomized Billie Orr when she was on the council.” Mengarelli had maintained that the replacement candidate should have qualities similar to Orr’s. 
Tenney later said the council represents the interests and views of Prescott citizens in dealing with present issues with an eye to the future. He views the council as working under the leadership of the mayor and with advice from the city manager and city attorney so that all develop a deep understanding of issues impacting Prescott. 
All interviews were conducted in public through an online livestream process. 
Tenney earned a bachelor’s degree at Brigham Young University in education and Japanese. He later earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Northern Arizona University. A member of the Fulbright Scholarship Alumni organization, he has been active in local, regional and state activities and organizations, including Arizona Town Hall. 
Tenney is married and has five children.