Alexander captures council seat

By Conrad Easterday
Washita Valley Weekly Editor

Zach Grayson will become Chickasha’s next mayor on April 15 when the third term of current Mayor Chris Mosley expires.
Mosley announced in late November he would not run again and endorsed Grayson, the current vice mayor, as his successor. No other candidate chose to oppose Grayson before the Feb. 7 filing deadline thereby electing him by default. A mayor’s term is two years.
“I am very humbled by and grateful for the trust given to me by the Chickasha community to be their next mayor,” Grayson said. “I have very big shoes to fill as I believe Chis Mosley has done a fantastic job these last six years. Thank you to all those who have supported me and mentored me over the years when I was on the City Council.”
Grayson added he was grateful to his friends and family, especially his wife Kim for her love and support.
Like Grayson, Erica Alexander will take her seat on the Chickasha City Council because she is unopposed in the April 2 election.
The 43-year-old representative of Ward 3 replaces R.P. Ashanti-Alexander, who declined to seek re-election to the Ward 3 Position 2 seat.
“I’m excited to serve the citizens of Chickasha and be part of the momentum and growth taking our city to new levels of greatness,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to make our city a great place to live.”
Serving the community happens more than twice a month for Alexander. She plays a role in a number of local organizations, chairing the YMCA Council as well as serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board, the USAO Foundation Board and the foundation for Chickasha Public Schools. She’s also a member of Quarterback Club.
Even with two races already decided, Chickasha voters have plenty of candidates to choose from in the upcoming election, City Clerk Susan McDaniel said. At least three fresh faces, including Alexander, will take their seats in April.
“It’s the first year for a while that we’ve had so many races,” she said. “It’s going to be interesting.”
The number of races may translate to a higher voter turnout, McDaniel said. She’s pleased if the total number of voters at the polls is in the low four digits, although a smaller figure has been more typical in recent years.
Grayson’s move to the mayor’s chair leaves Ward 4, Position 2 open for other candidates, of which there are three. (See list.)
2024 City Council Candidates
Ward 1, Position 2
Kea Ginn, 42, incumbent
David C. Lucas, 70
Ward 2, Position 2
Charlie Burruss, 58
Daniel Terry, 50
No incumbent
Ward 3, Position 2
Erica Alexander, 43
No incumbent
Ward 4, Position 2
Eric Joseph Anderson, 50
Isaac DeLeon, 33
John P. Smith, 67
No incumbent
No questions for voters will be on the April 2 ballot, McDaniel said. Last year, Chickasha voters approved a 1.25 cent sales tax to raise funds for a new $74 million water treatment plant. Another municipal sales tax expired at the same time so the net effect for taxpayers will be just a half-cent increase. Merchants began collecting the new tax Jan. 1 this year.
While candidates have to live in the ward they represent, Chickasha voters can cast ballots in all of the races. Each ward is represented by two council members.
*Elected unopposed