Cordell’s new code enforcement officer isn’t a new face to Cordell residents. She’s served the city and its residents for years as a police officer, reserve police officer, city clerk, and in customer service at City Hall. Christie Cherry is back in uniform now, taking on the task of enforcing the city’s ordinances.
“I am focused on making Cordell a place to be proud of, a town you’d like to live in,” she said. “The ordinances are in place for a reason. They’re put in place by the council and the people who put them there. It’s not about what I want, but what the council voted for and they represent the people. Who wants to drive down a street that looks junky?”
Cherry is taking a light-handed, collaborative approach to code enforcement. She’s been on the job since about mid-July and has spent most of her time speaking with residents and business owners about the violations she’s seen. She said she’s trying to work with people to correct the violations instead of being heavy-handed with citations.
“I’m not out to bully anybody,” she said. “I’m out there to hold people responsible for their own property. I try to talk to people, then I’ll send warnings. If that doesn’t work, then I’ll write citations.”
Cherry said she’s had to send a few warnings, but most people have reacted well when she’s spoken to them about overgrown yards, excess debris, and even some dilapidated, unsfafe structures on property. All in all, she said, she’s enjoying her new role.
“I’m not sitting in the office,” she said. “I’m out and about in the city talking to people every day. I’m really enjoying the new job.”