Candidate questionnaire: Brenda Cook

__Name:__ Brenda Cook

__Age:__ 57

__Place of birth:__ Cape Girardeau MO

__Spouse, children's names:__ My husband is Ray Cook, daughter Raelenna Ferguson, son Garrett Cook

__Occupation:__ store clerk

__Employer:__ Davids Food Mart

__Businesses owned, all or part:__ none

__Previous offices held or sought:__ Currently I am Alderman for ward #3, seeking reelection

__What is the most important issue facing Oran?:__

At this time we are dealing with some infrastructure issues. This is something hopefully that will be corrected shortly. Just like any other community we have some of the same problems. Abandon buildings and properties that are not kept up. I think it is important for every citizen to not have to worry whether their property value could be compromised because the properties around them.

__Public safety has become a rising concern in Missouri. As a council member, how would you work with public safety departments and the public to foster strong relationships?:__

As the mother of a son who is in law enforcement I feel that public safety is a huge issue not only in the state of Missouri but all over the country. We do try as a board to keep ourselves informed about problems. I try to let everyone in my ward or any citizen know that if they have a problem, I will bring it to the attention Police Chief or the board.

__Why are you better qualified than your opponents?:__

I'm sure that my opponent is equally qualified, but I have the experience of working with the public and all my year of service on the board. I love being a alderman. I want people that I have know my whole life to know that their is someone who has their best interest at heart, someone they can trust. I take being a alderman very serious.