John Wood runs for re-election: Guthrie Ward 1 City Councilman to file for second term

PRESS RELEASE

John R. Wood, Guthrie Ward 1 City Councilman, is running for re-election in 2013. Wood is concluding his first term as Councilman.

“It has been an honor to serve my community as Councilman this term,” Wood said. “I look forward to continuing to work with my neighbors to make Guthrie a hometown we are proud of.”

As a Ward 1 Councilman, Wood chairs the Streets Committee, where he has worked to allocate more than $200,000 to improve Guthrie roads. During Wood’s terms, the City Council also created the first known City-wide comprehensive strategic plan, established a rainy day fund from budget savings, and implemented a number of regional partnerships.

Wood was Cofounder and Vice Chair of the First Capitol Neighborhood Solutions, a group which promotes higher property values, lower crime and easier communication to city officials. He now serves on the board of the Highland Park Neighborhood Association.

Wood holds a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University and teaches political science at Rose State College. He is a member of the Guthrie Noon Lions and the Logan Community Services Board. As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in the 1990 Gulf War, Wood is a member of the American Legion.

For more information about John Wood, his work for the City of Guthrie and his bid for City Council, visit woodforguthrie.blogspot.com.

Guthrie Art Walk-Nov. 10

All too often I hear people say there is nothing to do in a small town. Lucky for us, this isn't true of Guthrie.

Our wonderful festivals are just one of the many reasons my wife and I love calling Guthrie home. This weekend our historic downtown plays host to the semi-annual Guthrie Art Walk. Every fall and spring this festival spotlights artists in the businesses and galleries downtown.

Visitors from all over the state will flock to our town this weekend to take part in the fun. If you live in Guthrie, you’re lucky enough to have this festival in your own backyard. Join us from 4-8 pm and make the most of all our town has to offer. 

Election Day-Nov. 6

I'm sure you realize tomorrow is an election day. The Presidential Election is certainly the highest profile election we hold in our country. While I do hope each of you will get out and exercise your civic duty, I hope you realize too, that there are many local elections that have significant impact on our lives. 

You can visit the Logan County Election Board to learn more about how to register, polling places, early voting and local election dates. 

My lovely wife, Bonnie, arriving at our local polling place. 

Meet and Greet Reception for New City Manager

I hope many of my constituents can join me on Tuesday, Nov. 6 as we welcome Guthrie’s new City Manager Sereniah Berland. There will be a public reception that day at 6:30 p.m., in the City Hall Lobby.

The role of City Manager is an important one. There is a team of hardworking city employees who make sure every aspect of Guthrie runs smoothly. The City Manager leads that team.

I know Sereniah is eager to meet the citizens and learn as much as possible about her new home. Please welcome her, and give her the support she needs to ensure Guthrie is a place where we can reside with pride. 

Empowering Communities Abroad

With the Homabay women for whom we wrote the Women's Empowerment project

I serve on the board of an international non-governmental organization (NGO) called the Center for Partnership and Civic Engagement. CEPACET is headquartered in Nairobi. It is currently working on projects in many different regions across Kenya, but hopes to expand to other countries as well.

Together we secured a grant for 20,000 Euros to help the women of Homabay, Kenya, become self-sufficient farmer. These women are mostly widows and as a result are cast out from their communities. They have come together to support each other and create a new community of their own.

The grant purchased oxen, plows, shovels, seeds, etc. They told me the grant changed their lives. A good feeling.

Ecumenical Palm Sunday, Guthrie, OK 2012

Ecumenical Palm Sunday, Guthrie, OK 2012

We had a huge day Sunday with 6 different churches in attendance! Even the little horse Mr. Hollywood showed up.

Started an Oklahoma Municipally-Elected Official’s Association

Ward I,

Just a note that I just started the Municipal Elected Official’s Association in Oklahoma. I started it recently at the Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) meeting.

The goal of the Association is to promote municipal government in Oklahoma because it’s the only group not organized on the municipal level. It could potentially be a powerful force to increase the voice municipal government.
I would expect the Association would certainly be about, but not limited to:
• Non-partisan activities - not endorsing or oppose any candidate for public office;
• Provide members with professional support in performance of their responsibilities;
• Encourage best practices in municipal administration and promoting mutuality of interests;
• Promote municipal needs at the capitol;
• Manage contact information and communication channels for Municipally Elected Officials across the state;
• And, set up and maintain a website for the Association.