What is a mayor?

“There are different forms of government, Stilwell is an Aldermanic form of government, it has a charter,” she said. “I work with a council and department heads. We make laws and ordinances.”

With the Aldermanic form of government, the mayor presides at meetings of the council, and is chief executive officer of the administrative branch of the government of the city. She appoints, subject to confirmation by the city council, a city attorney and all heads or directors of administrative departments including members of boards and commissions, and much more.

Bringing business to the city is a challenge but part of what she does.

“We are trying to get a Braums here, they go by city population but we have a large regional draw,” she said.

The city applies for grants for infrastructure, like the current water treatment plant and sewer plant projects.

“Unless you have the capacity to support new business they can’t come here,” she said.

How many know officer [Curtis] Jordan?

“We chose to put officer [Steve] Roberts at the high school, and officer Jordan here to keep you safe,” Wright said.

Other areas the city takes care of are streets, sanitation and code enforcement.

“A golf course is being built with donations and grants, and land work by the street department. It will have nine holes so the golf team can practice here and not drive to Tahlequah to practice and hopefully get golf scholarships,” she said. “Our best accomplishment is Adair Park. It’s beautiful now. We’ve built Carson Park, and still adding to it, and we improved Adair Park and Gaines Park.”

And the city takes care of employees with good benefits.

“We have 75 employees and begin at $14 an hour, minimum wage is $7.25 an hour and have great benefits,” she said.

A student asked about helping people with housing.

“We’ve cleaned up dilapidated property, and we hope to instill pride in people. When I came into office people were so negative,” she said. 

Private investors have been building apartments, duplexes and houses but not the city.

“How can we help Stilwell? Get more people. And how do we get more people? Have entertainment, such as a skating rink or bowling alley. I’m looking to find someone to invest in these things, because the city government can’t put in those types of businesses,” she said. “We did not invest funds into the golf course, either, those were all donations. We did some in-kind dirt work.”

What is her favorite part about being mayor, another student asked?

“That I can make a difference, make someone smile and make a lasting difference in peoples’ lives,” said Wright. 

She’s always been service oriented.

“My first job was a nurse, the first nurse at the Cherokee Nation Clinic. I come from a family who likes to serve and make Stilwell better. My dad was mayor. You don’t do it for the money. Some mayors make zero, I took a pay cut as mayor.”

When she graduated from Stilwell High School in 1973, there were more than 100 in her senior class.

“I knew Stilwell needed a full time mayor and I often work 60 hour weeks, my choice, because I love it, and I love Stilwell,” Wright said.

Are there term limits as a mayor, a different student asked.

“We have four year terms when elected. I’m in my second term and could run again if I want to,” she said. “I’m waiting for God’s direction in that decision.”

Mayor and Shawn Wright have four children and 14 grandchildren they love spending time with.

“Our policy at work is family first. Work is very important, but at times family takes precedent,” said Wright. “I love Stilwell. And those grandkids and my own kids are the best, most wonderful people I know.”