Woods appointed as replacement for Hickman on DeRidder Council

Monte Mary Johnson Woods was unanimously appointed the District 2 Councilmember at the DeRidder City Council meeting this week.

The District 2 seat became vacant after former Councilmember Artemese Hickman stepped down earlier this month.

Woods was nominated by Councilmember John Marcello, District 3. He said Woods was Hickman’s recommendation.

As a lifelong DeRidder resident and 37-year educator, Woods said she is prepared to follow Hickman’s footsteps and accept her recommendation.

“I love this community, and I would be honored to serve on City Council and be a voice for the community and this district,” she said. “This will allow us to maintain stability and progression until we can elect a new representative at the special election. We can work together. I am ready to serve.”

Councilman at Large Danny Reynolds nominated Joe Sowells because of his municipal experience; he served on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

“He’s already proven his ability to listen to those constituents that are in need in some consideration from the city, whether it be a variance or rezoning. He very well knows the process,” Reynolds said.

Everyone in the council chambers had one thing in common: deep love and respect for both Woods and Sowells; however, some residents expressed concern over the council considering a nomination other than Hickman’s recommendation.

“I personally feel like it’s because of some things that want to be done in the council, on the council,” said one. “I know that some of y’all are probably trying to make the quota by getting who you feel will work in there, but that’s not the right thing to do.”

Another said out of respect for Hickman, no other nomination should be considered.

“We want somebody who’s going to benefit District 2, and not going to just agree with everything you say,” he said. “A lot of you want Joe in there because you feel like he’s just going to do what you say. We don’t want that. We want someone who is going to stand up for District, going to fight for District 2.”

Sowells said while he is honored to be considered for the seat, he is understanding of citizen concerns.

“But I will steadfast that I will do what is best for DeRidder,” he said. “DeRidder is not a White DeRidder, it is not a Black DeRidder, it is not an Asian DeRidder, it is not a Hispanic DeRidder. It is DeRidder, and it is my obligation to do what is best for everyone.”

After public comments and council discussion, Reynolds rescinded his nomination “for the sake of unity.”

He said he called a previously elected District 2 representative and Sowells to discuss the potential nomination with no ulterior motives.

“I thought I did the right thing, and now I’m sitting here like I’ve let somebody down,” he explained. “There is no collusion. There is no talking about what kind of grand plans we’re going to do. … I simply nominated Mr. Sowells based on his experience with the process. … I didn’t mean any disrespect to anybody.”

Mayor Misty Clanton recognized the political climate in DeRidder has been “tense,” and said the appointment is an opportunity for the council to “make a decision based on unity.”

“We’re being given an opportunity for people to trust us.”

Council President Keith Hooper, District 5, noted that when Hickman ran for the District 2 seat, there was no opposition, and expressed gratitude for citizens for showing up with passion.

“It’s good to see the community here that’s showing concern for that district. I love to see the community here at our meetings. I lot of meetings we conduct, we don’t see one citizen in here,” he said. “We need to be accountable. We need the public here to make sure we’re doing what’s right for the whole city.”

Woods’ appointment is temporary until an election is held.

A special election will be held on March 29, 2025 to permanently fill the seat. If there is a run-off, a general election on May 3, 2025.

Leadership

After a stalemate at the last meeting, the council elected a new president and vice president.

Nominated by Marcello, Larken was unanimously elected president. He served as vice president previously.

Godfrey — who was nominated for president by Marcello at the previous meeting — was unanimously elected vice president.

Larken and Godfrey will assume their leadership positions at the next council meeting.