In an unusual move, the Guthrie City Council will hold a special public meeting Tuesday evening to interview three candidates for the vacant Ward 1 council seat in a public forum. Afterward, the council will discuss who should be appointed as the next council person.
Following the interview questioning, slated to begin at 6 p.m., the council could select and swear in a new member who may immediately participate in the regular scheduled council meeting to follow. Related article: Guthrie City Council seeks applicants for Ward 1 vacancy following resignation
This comes after the council’s recent acceptance of Jim Case’s resignation, which followed controversy over his social media comment regarding the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Related article: Councilman resigns after controversial comment following assassination attempt on former President Trump
The appointed council person will fulfill the remainder of the four-year term that expires in April 2025.
The council received applications from three candidates during a seven-day submission window that closed Wednesday.
Kaley Mills, a Legislative Assistant for the Oklahoma House of Representatives and active community volunteer, emphasized the importance of wise stewardship of tax dollars and planning for Guthrie’s future growth.
“One of the most important jobs of the council is making sure the people’s tax dollars are stewarded well. It is also critical to plan for the current and future growth happening in Guthrie. Investing in infrastructure, economic development, and downtown revitalization are all important to me.”
Douglas Russell, a 32-year resident of Guthrie and an Oklahoma City police dispatcher, expressed a desire to improve city responsiveness and bring high-wage jobs to Guthrie.
When asked about issues you feel are important to Guthrie, Russell said, “Timeliness and responsiveness of city hall to the citizen concerns begin with. I also have a very strong desire to bring jobs to Guthrie. As someone who has driven to OKC almost every single day for the last 20 years. I want to see what we can do about bringing high-wage jobs to Guthrie proper.”
Brian Stone, a Guthrie resident of over 15 years and oilfield sales professional, highlighted community growth and making Guthrie a destination city as key priorities.
“Community growth. Continuing to (make) Guthrie a destination city for visitors and home for our residents,” Stone said.
Stone added he has worked with former city manager Leroy Alsup in writing the Jake Brake laws inside the city limits.
You can watch the meeting on GNP TV.
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