Cathy Cook kicks off city council campaign before a packed house

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Dentist, veteran, and servant leader Cathy Cook announced Saturday she’s running for the District 9 at-large City Council seat in Columbus.

Cook, who has practiced dentistry for nearly 30 years, and served on numerous boards, made her announcement at the C.E. “Red” McDaniel City Service Center before a packed crowd in the community room.

Extra seats had to be brought in to accommodate the growing crowd that included federal, state, and local elected officials.

Community members, clergy, a former mayor, and millionaire businessman Robert Wright, one of the first blacks to serve on the Columbus City Council were also present. 

One by one, a veritable Who’s Who in Columbus, including screenwriter and producer, Ty Manns, took to the podium describing Cook as a solid leader with the vision, and integrity to propel Columbus where it needs to go in the future. 

“Columbus needs a leader who can restore trust and bring people together,” said Cathy Cook, candidate for Columbus City Council, District 9. “I like the word restore. Restore, because it hasn’t always been like we’re seeing right now. I will lead with transparency and accountability. Hold me accountable. Keep me accountable. In the military that was a very important tenet. Accountability. Transparency, accountability and respect for every voice. My promise is simple: I will always put people over politics and integrity over ambition.”

Cook shared her passion for small businesses, people, and the less fortunate. 

“It touched me this week to know that we had our first homeless people arrested. Let that sit with you for just a second. I’m not just angry, I’m not just disappointed, I’m motivated to step up,” said Cook.

Cook was joined by her family. She and her brother Henry followed in their father’s footsteps to become dentists. Her mother Mamie and daughter Jasmine were also present for her announcement.

Cook joins Rocky Marsh and John Van Doorn in the District 9 race.