Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

New faces take over Okolona government

Some new faces will be taking over the city government in the Okolona this January.

Well maybe not new faces, but new as city employees.

During the November 5 General Election, new council members were elected by the Okolona townspeople. They are; John Hornsby, Leah Lynn-Rhodes and Brenda Piggee. Returning to their positions already held with the council will be Sue Muldrew and Hezzie Barton.

Vivkie Davis was elected as the new city reporter/treasurer and last but not least, James Paul was elected as Okolona's new mayor after defeating incumbent Joy McElhannon.

Paul was asked what his plans were for the town of Okolona.

He said, "Well it is a big job. There will be plenty to do and undo at the beginning of the year."

Pual said he and several other citizens had been holding meetings with the townspeople on a regular basis.

Paul said this kept everyone up to date on what was going on and gave him feedback from the town as to what they needed done.

One of Okolona's projects being working on and hope to know more about by the beginning of the year is starting a Head Start program in town.

Paul said, "If I am correct, I think the program requires 13-18 children to operate. I know we have that many."

Paul said he would like to see what he could do to help improve the city's water system and check into lowering water rates if possible.

Paul said he knows he is going to need lots of support from the townspeople and lots of volunteerism to get the ball rolling for Okolona.

"My big issue is letting the people of Okolona run the town. That's the way it should be. A mayor just regulates that. I want to hear from the citizens. I am going to suggest moving speakers at the town meetings to the beginning of the meeting so a discussion can be made during the meeting instead of tossed off with "Do you have another question?" and things of that nature. If we cannot discuss the matter at the time it will be placed on the next month's agenda."

Paul also said he planned to get Okolona working by the government's codes.

"If we did not have to abide by these codes, then they would not have passed them. You know like having a planned budget and being accountable for the city's money," said Paul.

"I will encourage press coverage of all Okolona meetings. This keeps people involved and in contact. We can properly run the ads and other information we are supposed to."

Paul said he would like to clear up the fact he was not against the Okolona trail ride, however he did plan to make sure the ride was sponsored by something other than the city. Instead the ride will be sponsored by the L.O.V.E council or some other source.

"I think the trail ride is excellent. It is a good source of revenue for the town and brings people together," Paul said, "I have no opposition to the ride."

Paul said he felt as if sometimes people took for granted small towns just run smoothly.

"I plan to clean up the town; you know trash, brush and things of the nature. I wan to get Okolona on the right road and get it straight."