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Oakwood mayor decides against another term

Oakwood Mayor Judy Cook said she's not running for re-election because it's time for new leadership in the city.

Photo submitted by the City of Oakwood Oakwood Mayor Judy Cook said she's not running for re-election because it's time for new leadership in the city.

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By Kelli Wynn, Staff Writer Updated 9:43 PM Thursday, July 2, 2009

OAKWOOD— Mayor Judy Cook will not be running for re-election.

“I think the time is right to make room for a new voice and new leadership,” Cook said Thursday, July 2, about why she decided against another term. She also said she “wants to give (someone) the opportunity to use what they have learned (about city government).”

Cook, 76, of Schenck Avenue, has been the mayor for eight years and succeeded Gretchen Bullock. She has also been on city council for 20 years.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my role on council,” Cook said.

Her term ends in December.

Cook is the only female on the five-member council.

“I most certainly want to see a woman on city council,” she said. As of June 29, only one female had taken out a petition from the Montgomery County Board of Elections, to be on the November ballot for the council election. The deadline to file the petition is Aug. 5.

“Nothing is forever,” Cook said of her years on council. She said she didn’t want to “wait until someone starts to say, 'when are you going away’.”

So far, Cook has described her time as a city official as a “fantastic journey.” She also described the Oakwood citizens as being the city’s greatest assets.

“It’s been a pleasure to serve,” she said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2414 or kwynn@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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Mayor Cook is a class act. She has been a valuable asset to the entire valley with a good mix of compassion, vision and common sense. I hope she remains active with other civic activities in the region. Her wisdom and experience will be hard to replace

Steve Husemann
8:46 AM, 7/3/2009

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Now that residency is no longer a requirement for service in Dayton city government (or anywhere else in Ohio!), I propose that Dayton look to its suburbs for future leaders, including the mayor. But first revise the Charter to empower the mayor! Rhine McLin may have no ideas, but she also has no effective power.

Jim
5:11 AM, 7/3/2009

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Ah, if only Dayton should be so lucky and Mayor McHat would step down!

Gracie
2:42 AM, 7/3/2009

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Yes...it is time to hang it up!
Appreciate someone willing to serve and for so long. Hope the next mayor will be as strong a leader.

Jesse
8:54 PM, 7/2/2009

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We need a young person in Oakwood.....we need to understand the change from "old money"...to "new money"

James
6:29 PM, 7/2/2009

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