Cookeville Swears In Next City Council, Wheaton Officially Second Female Mayor

A packed house celebrated the swearing-in of the members of the next Cookeville City Council Thursday night.

Former Vice-Mayor Laurin Wheaton was the highest vote-getter in the August 4th election. Wheaton was officially voted into the role Thursday night, making her the second-ever female Mayor of Cookeville. The only other female mayor was Jean Davis, who served from 1994 to 1998.

“I want to instill confidence in the Mayor’s seat,” Wheaton said. “I want to assure local businesses they have my support and their efforts will be highlighted. I want to protect and promote traditions that have made Cookeville a special place to all of us. I want to highlight the people of this community, and not the position of this office.”

Cookeville City Council saw the departure of three members: Mayor Ricky Shelton, Former Mayor and Council Member Charles Womack, and Council Member Mark Miller. Miller was absent from the meeting. All three were honored with resolutions highlighting their achievements during their tenure.

The newly-sworn in members include Council Members Chad Gilbert and Ali Bagci. Luke Eldridge will serve as the new Vice-Mayor.

“I want to thank Mayor Shelton and your family for everything I got to know you eight years ago and it was an honor then and it was an honor now,” Eldridge said. “I appreciate it and appreciate your insight. I appreciate you talking to my wife and encouraging her. But I also thank the whole community. You guys saw fit to put me in as Vice-Mayor and I appreciate that, and I’m going to do my hardest to work for you guys.”