Barbarbra Cooks has stepped into the political arena as a Democratic candidate for Okmulgee County Commissioner for District 1, driven by a strong desire to address long-standing concerns in rural infrastructure and governance. With the election set for Tuesday, April 1, she is calling on voters to support her platform of transparency, public engagement, and rural improvement.

— A Campaign Rooted in Community Concerns Cooks’ decision to run stems from witnessing the persistent issues plaguing District 1, including the deteri- oration of county roads, poorly maintained rural intersections, and recurring flooding in various areas. She believes that these problems have been overlooked for too long and wants to bring about meaningful change.

“If elected, I will work to ensure that the voices of our community are not just heard but acted upon,” Cooks stated. “Our rural roads and intersections must be maintained, and flooding issues need to be addressed with long-term solutions, not just temporary fixes.” — A Background in Service & Leadership

With over 16 years of customer service experience and six years in a supervisory role, Cooks has built a foundation of transparency, trust, and collaboration. While she acknowledges that change does not happen overnight, she pledges to work tirelessly, guided by faith, to improve conditions in District 1.

She also places strong emphasis on increasing public awareness of voting rights and accessibility. She believes every eligible voter, including those who have recently regained their voting rights and first-time voters, should have the information they need to participate in elections. “I am here to assist, whether by phone, email, or Zoom, to ensure that every citizen in District 1 has the opportunity to engage in the democratic process,” she said.

— Key Focus Areas of Her Platform Cleaner Rural Intersections

Cooks is committed to addressing the neglect of rural intersections, which are often overgrown or obstructed, posing hazards for drivers. She aims to implement a plan to clean and maintain these areas regularly, improving visibility, traffic safety and overall accessibility.

“By investing in better infrastructure for our rural roads, we can reduce accidents, create safer travel conditions, and enhance the well-being of both residents and visitors,” she explained.

Transparency in Local Government

Cooks believes that many residents struggle to navigate local government simply because they do not know who to approach for help with specific concerns. She wants to provide clear, easily accessible information about city officials, their responsibilities, and how to contact them.

“My goal is to ensure that every resident knows exactly who to reach out to for their city needs, eliminating confusion and empowering people to take action when issues arise,” Cooks said.

— Strengthening Collaboration Between Citizens & Government Cooks advocates for fostering an open and accessible government where the voices of residents are genuinely heard in decision-making. She plans to introduce regular town hall meetings where constituents can engage directly with county officials, ask questions, and express concerns.

“These meetings will serve as a platform for dialogue, allowing us to better understand the community’s needs and work together to find solutions,” she stated. “Encouraging civic participation and transparency will create a more responsive and effective local government.” — A Call to Action

Cooks urges the residents of District 1 to take part in the upcoming election on April 1 and make their voices heard.

“I cannot promise immediate change, but I can promise hard work, dedication, and a commitment to fighting for the betterment of our district,” she said.

For more information on her campaign and platform, voters can visit her official website at https:// cooksforcc.wixsite.com/bccc2025.

A meet & greet will be held Saturday, March 22, from 3-5 p.m. at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Reception Hall, 1500 N. Miami in Okmulgee. Guest speaker will be A.A. Valentine who will be sharing some emergency preparedness information with those in attendance. The public is invited to attend.

The election for Okmulgee County District 1 Commissioner will take place on Tuesday, April 1.

On the ballot will be Ernie Ferreria (R), Chip Smalley (I) and Cooks (D).