New leaders bring new values, goals to Roachdale

Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Incumbent Councilman Zach Bowers and new Clerk-Treasurer Debbie Sillery anxiously await further results Tuesday at the Putnam County Courthouse after learning of their respective victories. (Banner Graphic/Nick Wilson)

ROACHDALE -- While dozens of residents anxiously awaited election results Tuesday at the Putnam County Courthouse, Roachdale's Franklin-North precinct reported at approximately 7:30 p.m. that some new leaders will be taking over.

Incumbent Councilman Zach Bowers (independent) will be the only familiar face for the town as he returns to his position on the Town Council. Joining him on the three-person board will be Councilman-elect Kevin Cook (I) and Councilwoman-elect Holly Cook (I). Kevin Cook and Holly Cook (no relation) will be replacing President Jack Jones and former President Barbara Scott, who did not take part in the six-person race this year for council positions.

Holly Cook held the most ballots for Roachdale's at-large, totaling 156 votes (or 22.87 percent), followed by Bowers with 146 votes (21.41 percent) and Kevin Cook with 117 votes (17.16 percent). Following the winning candidates were Rick Miles Jr. with 99 votes (14.52 percent), Rick Kiefer with 86 votes (12.61 percent) and Jim Cromwell with 78 votes (11.44 percent).

Debbie Sillery (I) will be the new clerk-treasurer for the town, replacing eight-year Clerk-Treasurer Martha Louk. Of a total 237 votes, Sillery took the most with 142 (or 59.92 percent). Louk (I) followed with 69 votes (29.11 percent) and Katrina Asher with 26 votes (10.97 percent).

Bowers and Sillery were among the politicians and residents crowding the second floor at the courthouse Tuesday, each saying they're anxious to get to work. Bowers, who is the only incumbent, will be sharing his experience with the two newcomers.

"I think myself, Kevin and Holly will work very well together," Bowers said. "I think we all have the same end goals, and that's just to make a better, more fruitful Roachdale.

"There are challenges ... and it's really hard if you're the only person, to get anyone else on your side," Bowers continued. "But with Holly and Kevin I truly think we can make it a better place."

Sillery echoed Bowers' comments, saying she is thrilled to be bringing the knowledge she's acquired from positions like Roachdale's assistant clerk-treasurer, District Manager of West Central Conservancy District and as Bainbridge Clerk-Treasurer Jason Hartman's deputy-clerk for two years.

"I've actually been thinking of running for (Clerk-Treasurer) for 19 years," Sillery said. "My life experiences have just been building to get here, I'm very excited."

Kevin Cook, who has been active with the Roachdale Revitalization Cooperative Alliance (RRCA) for quite some time, hopes to take his skills and experience to the next level for Roachdale.

"I'm glad the people trust me with this kind of position," Kevin Cook said. "I'm very supportive of new initiatives, new ideas, new businesses ... a lot of small towns are declining, but we'd like to get Roachdale (back) a little and do some things to leave it in good shape for the next generation."

Holly Cook, who led Tuesday's margin of victory by nearly 1.5 percent, said she is ready and excited for any tests that lie ahead.

"Primarily, my experience has been in committees ... from Girl Scouts to becoming president of Delta Theta Tau (philanthropic sorority), and I'm on the planning commission for zoning," Holly Cook said. "The only real challenge for us is to find what's best for Roachdale. The clerk-treasurer, the other council members and I will always do what's best for Roachdale."

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  • well, hope something good happens to Roachdale

    -- Posted by trudywright on Wed, Nov 4, 2015, at 9:27 AM
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