Geary City Council: Candidates Discuss Vision for City

GEARY – Two candidates have filed for the vacant Ward Four seat in the City of Geary and will go head­tohead next month in a bid to replace Cody Wright, who moved late last year.

Kim Lewis and Cory Hicks are vying to join the board, which is currently comprised of Cozetta Johnson, Tabbitha Kiener, Mary Hays and Mayor Bobby Allen.

Lewis is Allen’s daughter.

The Watonga Republican submitted the same three questions to both candidates to help voters make a decision. Thank you to the candidates for their thoughtful response.

The city council election is on Tuesday, April 5. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is on March 21.

Cory Hicks

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background, especially as it pertains to this office.

A: I have lived and worked in El Reno and surrounding areas my whole life. I graduated from El Reno High School, and have lived in Geary for about six years. I have been an active member of the Geary Volunteer Fire Department for about six years, and recently started my own drain company/repair service called Rural H Services. My daughter, Hadlee, and I enjoy raising cattle in Geary, attending the local cow sale on Saturdays, and visiting with friends and family.

Q: Why do you want to serve on the Geary city council?

A: I want to take more responsibility as a Geary citizen and become more involved with the community. Geary, though a small town, has potential for growth and I want to be a part of that process. I believe I have the time and the heart to help our city move in a new direction.

Q: How can the city government make Geary a better place to live, and what should be its top priority?

A: I want to attract new businesses and help facilitate growth in that sector. I believe the town should be focusing on making Geary a better place to live and work-brainstorming about the future and how we can improve. I would also like the opportunity to explore a citywide clean up initiative. I want to leave a city behind that I would want my grandchildren to live in. Geary needs some time, and people leading that care about the town and its future.

Kim Lewis

Hello Citizens of Geary, Most of you probably know me, but for those who don’t, my name is Kim Lewis and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Geary City Council, Ward 4. I have lived in Geary my entire life, and my family has lived here for many generations. My grandfather and great grandfather built many of the houses still standing today. I have been involved in the community through different organizations such as our Peewee Wrestling Program and Summer Little League programs for many years. I am a member of GEDA (Geary Economic Development) and Geary Bison Boosters as well. I, along with my Husband, Greg and our six children, have been and always will be proud to call Geary our home.

My desire to serve on the city council is to give a voice to your concerns. I will stand up for the citizens in this community and ensure our voices will be heard. As your council member, I will be committed to putting your needs and the needs of this town before my own. I believe as a councilperson; I will have a greater ability to positively impact the people and neighborhoods. I will listen to and support the overwhelming desires of the community and will not take this responsibility lightly.

Geary was such a great town to grow up in, and I want that same experience for my kids and grandkids. Like any other small town, we of course have our share of issues. My goals are to highlight the beauty of our city, focus on public safety, further support economic development and put the “unity” back in community. I will strive to get our younger generations involved as they are our future. Together we can make this city a better place. Let’s be a part of the solution. I know Geary is a wonderful place to raise a family. It will be a great privilege to serve the people in our community. Thank you so much for

Thank you so much for your time and I hope I can count on your vote and support.