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Norman's Ward 1
From left, Ward 1 incumbent Kate Bierman seeks to defend her post against challenger Shon Williamson-Jennings. (NonDoc)

Shon Williamson-Jennings is new to politics but has served in the health sector for 16 years. She brings this experience with her as she runs for Norman’s Ward 1 City Council seat against incumbent Kate Bierman.

“I care about the health and well-being of my fellow Ward 1 residents,” Williamson-Jennings states on her website. “I want to ensure the values and unique views of people living and working in Ward 1 are represented as the council develops plans for the future.”

Meanwhile, Bierman mentions construction of the senior center and budget concerns on her website.

“I look forward to being at the table for these decisions and ensuring Ward 1 has strong, effective representation in the process,” she states on her website.

Residents will vote for new Norman City Council representatives in Wards 1, 3 and 7 on Feb. 12.

Largely residential, Ward 1 extends from 12th Avenue Southeast to 48th Avenue Southeast, from Alameda Street to Lindsey Street and south to Highway 9 on its west side boundary.

(Screenshot)

Kate Bierman

(Provided)

Profession: Small-business owner
Experience: Bierman is the incumbent for Ward 1 and is running for her second term. She worked for 10 years at a public affairs firm in Oklahoma City and served on Norman’s Animal Welfare Oversight Committee.
Platform: Bierman supports the construction of a senior center that has been discussed in Ward 1 since 2015.
“This unfulfilled commitment to our seniors remains one of my top priorities,” states her website.
She also states intentions to make Norman more business-friendly, improve and expand Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART), and encourage the development of ADA-accessible housing. She opposes the University North Park TIF.
Links: Website | Facebook


Shon Williamson-Jennings

(Provided)

Profession: Certified prevention specialist
Experience: Williamson-Jennings has 16 years of experience in public health. She currently serves as co-director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s South Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center.
Platform: Williamson-Jennings advocates for beginning construction on Norman’s senior center right away, expanding CART routes and addressing Norman’s stormwater infrastructure. She opposes the University North Park TIF. She also advocates for children’s health.
She states on her website: “Oklahoma ranks 41st in those experiencing 2 or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). We must work together to address this behavioral health problem by promoting education of ACEs then fostering community networks to increase individual and community resilience.”
Links: Website | Facebook

(Correction: This post was updated at 11:27 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, to note which Norman wards will vote Feb. 12.)