Alison Cook

Incumbent will seek third term; prioritizes revitalizing downtown and Sturgis Park

By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(March 8, 2018) Eastern District Snow Hill Councilwoman Alison Cook, 40, has filed for reelection, citing downtown revitalization as a key priority of her campaign.

A New Jersey native, Cook moved to Snow Hill in March 2008. She is co-manager of the tax controversy department of the firm at E. Martin Davidoff & Associates based Dayton, New Jersey, a company that represents clients with tax issues.

Cook has served a pair of two-year terms on the council. She first ran four years ago to combat a land-development proposal near her home.

“They wanted to change the designation of that property to make it a bit more commercial and they wanted to put in a Dollar Store,” she said. “My neighbors and myself got to talking about the pros and cons … and I started to speak up at the town meetings and work sessions.

“After that issue was taken care of, which it ended up with nothing being developed back there, a couple of neighbors came to me and said they thought I should run for council – which I thought was cute and sweet, but a little crazy,” Cook added.

As more people came forward to offer support, Cook said it felt like “the universe was leading [her] towards” a run for office.

“I work from home and I have two children I’m raising and thought, ‘this is a turn I didn’t see coming,’ but sure,” she said.

Cook said the experience has been eye opening, with some positives and some negatives “that come with being in the know.”

“It’s been really rewarding,” she said. “I really enjoy working with Town Hall and working with the mayor and my fellow councilwomen, and I like being part of the change – the movement of making Snow Hill not only a destination, but truly a place where you want to live and raise your family and retire to.

“And not only because we have a phenomenal school system, but because of everything that we’ve got going on and can offer,” Cook added. “I’ve really been proud to be a part of the change that you’re starting to see.”

She said the council continues to explore ways to revitalize the downtown.

“It’s come a long way and there were a lot of old, empty storefronts that are now full and there are needed repairs that are [happening],” Cook said. “We’re still looking at ways to fill others and fix others, and we’d love to see another really great restaurant add something to our town.

“We’re constantly working on possible development ideas – any way to try to increase our population, because it definitely has declined over the last 10 years or so,” she continued. “There’s a lot of stuff that goes when we go to closed session that I can’t really talk about, but we have a lot of stokes in the fire. I’m excited about all of that.”

Cook said revitalizing Sturgis Park is also a priority.

“I’d love to see a splash pad or something like that, where families can bring their kids in the summertime and kids can get cooled off,” she said. “And how cool would it be if there was a carousel down there? Bringing people to that park would help draw to the downtown. That’s something that I’m focused on and working with Town Hall on right now.

“And the railroad – we’re still trying to work with the railroad,” Cook added. “That’s now gotten some new life and there’s someone new that’s interested. The Berlin mayor and our mayor are working together to get that figured out. I’m excited about that.

“I really just want to encourage people to come to Snow Hill and experience life on the river,” Cook said.

As of this week, no other candidates have filed for office. The deadline to do so is March 30 and the election is scheduled for May 1.