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Sarah Jones was sworn in as Mayor of Kingston in May of 2023. Courtesy photo
Sarah Jones was sworn in as Mayor of Kingston in May of 2023. Courtesy photo
Through a series of events that started with a run for an open seat on the Kingston city council in January, endedwithSarahJonesbeing sworn into the mayoral seat in May. Jones, who is a native of Madill, currently resides in Kingston with her husband and two children. She has worked with Traditions Hospitality Group for more than15 years at the Texoma Casino in Kingston.
The Madill Record did a Q&A to help Kingston residents to get to know their newest mayor. Q: What made you decide to run for the city council seat?
A:“Aftersomeonesuggested that I run for an open city council seat, I decided to run because I have small children that I am raising here and so I filled out the paperwork and ran unopposed. I ran for the city council seat and was sworn in as Vice Mayor in January. Then later, I was appointed as the commissioner of police.” Q: How did you end up in the mayor's seat?
A: “The mayor at the time, Mayor Cluck, announced his resignation. Upon his resignation I was then sworn in as Mayor since I was already Vice Mayor. I tell my husband every day I don't know what my life is now. I talk to really awesome people all the time and I am just like why me?” Q: What is your vision for Kingston?
A: “Community involvement. We are in talks for a new city park. I love the Littlest Park in town. It's great for movie nights and other events like the farmers market we had recently. These things are all great and we should definitely keep doing that. However, we need a bigger park with a playground for Kingston residents.” Q:Withthenewdevelopment atTexomaparkandWestBay Casino do you see expansion overflowing into Kingston leading to more dining, shopping, and grocery options for residents?
A: “Yes, I do! I am so excited for the new Gecko’s next to the Super C to open soon.Wehavealsoheardthat there is an Italian restaurant looking to move into the old Gecko’s location.”
Q: How do you plan on keeping the small town feel in Kingston with the new vision you have?
A: “Well, us having only one red light will keep us having a small-town feel. There are no plans to add any additional lights in town. “ Q: What do you want the residents to know about you?
A: “I am a mom and a wife. I have had my job for 15 and a half years. I sold the first beer at the Texoma Casino, and I still have the first dollar from the first sale. I’ve learned to talk to people the way I want to be talked to and that has worked for me.” Q:Isthereanythingyouwant residents,whomaybeunsure of what you have planned for the city of Kingston, to know?
A: “Yes, sometimes changes need to happen. I’ve noticed things get stuck; people just want things to stay the same. It can’t, we’ve got to grow with the times. Sometimes change is necessary but if we take it a little bit at a time it won’t be so bad.”