![The Laurel Hill City Council meets at 6 p.m. the first Thursdays of the month at city hall. [File photo]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-571315db-cdf5-04fa-e053-0100007f7ff1-56772f2e.jpeg)
LAUREL HILL — The search for Laurel Hill’s next City Council member continues following Daniel Lane's Aug. 3 resignation.
The city has received three applications for the position. Residents Shawn Cogan, Jacob Locke and Charles “David” Williams applied for the council-appointed seat. The council voted on the nominees during the Sept. 7 meeting; however, the council was unable to make a unanimous decision.
Councilman Scott Moneypenny and Councilman Mike Blizzard voted for Shawn Cogan; Councilman Johnny James and Councilwoman Debra Adams voted for Jacob Locke, tying the vote 2-2.
According to Adams, the council will vote again at the Oct. 5 meeting. Residents can still apply for the position; if the city doesn't receive additional applications, the council will vote for the same nominees again.
SHAWN COGAN
Shawn Cogan, 41, has lived in Laurel Hill for 2.5 years. He graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School in 1993 and retired from the United States Air Force after 23 years. Cogan’s experience includes three years as a resource officer of a unit of more than 300 people.
Cogan said he has attended approximately eight or nine City Council meetings in Laurel Hill this year. The issues he would like to see resolved include water rates, more research done for grant applications and building better businesses, festivals and attractions.
“This is my home; what man would I be if I did not try to make it better,” Cogan said. “I believe I can help the four other council members make our home better.”
JACOB LOCKE
Jacob Locke has lived in Laurel Hill for more than 20 years and owns Jacob Locke Construction. Locke’s experience includes more than 20 years as a business owner working with the public and government agencies and their policies.
According to Locke, he would like to serve on the council to help ensure the sustainable growth of the city of Laurel Hill. The concerns he would like to see resolved include problems with the roads — he proposes to do this by applying for grants and other assistance; issues with drainage and culverts; water department revenue; and water supply infrastructure.
CHARLES WILLIAMS
Charles “David” Williams has lived in Laurel Hill for one year and four months. Williams has years of experience with multiple construction companies in other states and in Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties.
According to Williams, he was called to ministry at age 60 and graduated from the District School of Ministry Bible College. He currently serves as pastor at First Assembly of God in Laurel Hill. He would like to see Laurel Hill get better roads, promote the importance of cleaning residential yards, and focus on drainage problems, create new jobs to grow the economy, and add benches to the city walking track.
“As a local pastor and resident of Laurel Hill, I have a desire to see the people of this area prosper and excel in all areas of their lives,” Williams said. “I feel that the experience that I have gained as a result of my years of work in the building industry have given me an in-depth knowledge of roads, drainage, codes, safety procedures, etc. that would be helpful in making decisions that would help move the city forward.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Laurel Hill council member search continues