The Luther Board of Trustees is seeking applications to fulfill a term on the Board of Trustees following the resignation of Trustee Valarie Braxton. The remaining four board members will appoint a successor for the volunteer governance role during an upcoming meeting.
Braxton joined the board last August, appointed after the resignation of Josh Rowton, who was elected to the position in 2021. Braxton said she enjoyed her short tenure on the five-member governing board and is grateful to the trustees for their service.
Other members of the Luther Board of Trustees are Terry Arps, mayor; Jeff Schwarzmeier, vice mayor; Jerrod Davis and Carla Caruthers, trustees.
Braxton made a positive impact even though her tenure was short. She was appointed to the position in August after resigning from her position as Luther Court Clerk in July to care for her grandchildren. Her knowledge and experiences as a town employee brought the board a keener perspective on town operations. Although she regrets having to resign so quickly, she is grateful that her life circumstances allow her to live nearer to her parents, who live just outside of town limits.
“Serving on the board not only can show your support for the town but also its employees. Everyone can’t be everywhere all the time, so having extra eyes out and about helps our town address issues that may be missed,” she said.
Braxton worked on improving sidewalk accessibility, seeking grants to improve infrastructure, and thanking volunteers and employees.
Offering credit where it’s due
“It’s of great importance to show our volunteer Fire Department just how appreciated they are. I would love to see Main Street go all the way to 66 and bring in businesses that would thrive on the historic highway. I had big dreams, but priorities took a different path for me. I pray for the next new trustee. Hopefully, it will be someone strong enough not to be mowed down by other opinions.”
Braxton plans to continue serving, although not in her governing role on the board. She serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Luther Historical Society and was the project leader on the construction of the “L’Whotherville” holiday attraction.
“I will still strive to be involved through the Luther Historic Society and anything else I can to help improve and grow this town that I love,” she said.
Will you serve?
The Board of Trustees will consider applications following the expected official acceptance of Braxton’s resignation at the January 9, 2024, Regular Meeting. The Trustees are accepting letters of interest through February 6, 2024. The term for the position is approximately one year, to expire in May 2025, following the next regularly scheduled municipal election in April 2025.
Qualifications for a Town Trustee:
- Reside within Luther Town limits and be a registered voter.
- Prepare a letter describing your interest and experience, including contact information.
- Email letter: office@townoflutherok.com or mail: Town of Luther, Town Manager, PO Box 56, Luther, OK 73054, or hand deliver to 108 S Main. DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 6, 2024.
The Board of Trustees meets monthly for a Regular meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM and also generally during a Special Meeting on the fourth Thursday at 6:30 PM. In addition to preparing for and attending meetings, the Board approves the town budget and considers large expenditures, resolutions, ordinances, and other matters.
The Town of Luther is governed by a five-member board. Each trustee is elected “at large,” and the trustees select a mayor from among them. The position is unpaid and has a regular term of four years.
