Can you tell us a bit about yourself, i.e., age, job, hometown, family, hobbies, etc.?
I have lived in Cordell for 16 years. I have two sons, one grandson, and one granddaughter due to be here any time now, and one more grandson due in April. I have been with Tractor Supply for four years.
Why are you running for city council? What are things you hope to accomplish if elected?
I like to be involved and help our community.
What experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a city council member?
My past experiences from managing a business to sitting on a variety of boards has prepared me to be a city council member.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in Cordell?
I will continue to ask people in the community for their input and advice. If dealing with a subject that I have limited or no knowledge of I will continue to seek out people with that knowledge.
A lot of residents are unhappy with the quality of the city’s water. What specific steps can you take as a city council member to help fix that issue?
The water is something the city has been working on for a while now. Up to four years ago the city lost money every month in the water department. Steps were taken to start investing into the water department so repairs could be done. The city has met with several different agencies and companies to formulate a plan that was the most feasible for our town.
A lot of residents also are unhappy with the high price of electricity in Cordell. Yet, every month the council approves a rate increase. What will you do to specifically help fix this issue for residents?
Actually, the city does not raise the rates every month. There is a cost adjustment that the power company charges the city each month. That rate can range from .005 to .009. That cost is then billed to each city electric customer. Cordell’s rates are very much in line with other small towns in Oklahoma that have their own electric except one- Kingfisher. Kingfisher has many other tax revenues that Cordell simply doesn’t have. Our service departments-electric, sewer, water, garbage- are a very big part of our revenue here in Cordell. Our service departments provide for things like our pool, our parks, our museum, senior citizen center, roads, street lights, and library- to name a few. So, without that revenue the city would not be able to maintain the quality of our great little town.
What are some of your favorite things about the town?
The great hearts people in Cordell have.
Why should you be elected to the city council?
For my experiences running a business and my experiences contributing to running a small town.
What else should people know about you or your candidacy?
I always look at both sides of an issue, in my personal life, my work life, and city council. There are always two sides to consider and I do my best to be as fair as possible to all concerned.