"Four years ago I ran for the office of Mayor because our children were leaving Stilwell in search of opportunities. I wanted that to change...

To attract industry and business opportunity, a city must appear vibrant and alive, growing and going forward and that's just how this was done. 50+ condemned structures were removed, and dozens of inoperable cars, allowing new facilities and uses of those spaces.

Fletcher Park is a good example where, by facilitating public and private donations, an old vacant lot was turned into something beautiful that we are all proud of. Many more retail spaces are coming to downtown, and more will be announced soon as well.

All of these factors contributed to area jobs exploding, with 300+ positions at local manufacturers with higher benefits and pay."

Mayor Jean Ann Wright

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Stilwell is well on its way to being a destination location, other than a once-a-year attraction for the annual Strawberry Festival. Mayor Jean Ann Wright said in a conversation with the local news editor Renee Fite.

"If a city isn’t constantly progressing, then it dies. Our youth were leaving at an alarming rate, but are now returning home to start and raise families, now that we are moving in a positive direction. We have more good-paying job opportunities locally than we’ve ever had. With the fiber high-speed internet capabilities, many people also can work from home here instead of having to relocate," Wright said.

Basketball and pickleball courts are being built and completed. Baseball/softball fields are being built up with new turf and seating. New press box and bathrooms have appeared at Carson Park, and the significant investments toward the new 9-hole golf course at Carson Park are important, she said.

"We are still looking toward a skate park, and possibly a miniature golf facility. Handicapped accessible play equipment should be added soon at Gaines Park. We have a Parks Committee that meets and discusses future improvements. We also now have a Planning and Zoning Committee that meets to discuss future growth of the city," Wright said.

As Wright pointed out, among the achievements are the Chestnut drainage project; sidewalks downtown to the elementary school; improvements at Adair Park, including fishing docks; updating the animal shelter to a no-kill shelter and being revamped and fenced so animals can be outside; the major investment in wastewater treatment facilities; and tearing down more than 50 derelict buildings in the past two years, not to mention the Cherokee Nation projects or Schwann expansion.

"We’re so lucky to have the beautiful Christmas tree and Fletcher Park," Wright said.

Renee Fite

Why do I want to be Mayor? What are my plans? I have a passion for Stilwell. Saying I love my hometown doesn't exactly describe it. My family has been in Adair county now for 7 generations and I am extremely proud of that. Sadly our young people are leaving at an alarming rate to seek better employment avenues thus raising their families away from 'home.'

Things I desire to implement: I will bring enforcement of all city codes, franchise powers and provide complete transparency to the people of Stilwell. I will as an elected official insist we form a way to welcome any and all input from citizens wishing to speak for or against an action before the council.

I will update the Stilwell city website so current vital information is maintained online as already required by law. I will work with the council diligently urging meetings be live streamed during open sessions so all, including our many housebound citizens, can see officials and meetings. I will develop and maintain a social media platform for the City of Stilwell. Stilwell Revitalization is a top priority for me. We must revitalize our city and bring in new opportunities. Citizen involvement with Beautification and Action Committees to present ideas to the Chamber of Commerce and the City Council for action are beginning steps.

Should you grant me the privilege of being Mayor, I will work tirelessly, hand in hand with our Chamber of Commerce and Cherokee Nation in promotion of Stilwell to bring new opportunities and businesses to Stilwell. Why should we accept our children leaving Stilwell to find lives somewhere else?

I will lead our city as mayor in defining our responsibility (as Gov. officials as well as employers) of Board Members, Mayor and City Clerk. Stilwell needs basic employment guidelines with updated job descriptions and duties for all city employees. Regular scheduled reviews and periodic raise/merit with pay scales need to be implemented. with pay scales schedules need to be implemented.

Jean Ann Wright