State Rep. Wood honored at Lanett council meeting

BY JOHN BRICE

THE LAFAYETTE SUN

LANETT — State Rep. Debbie Wood, who represents District 38, was honored with an appreciation plaque during the Oct. 6 Lanett City Council meeting, recognizing her years of service following her retirement announcement earlier this year.

Council Member Angelia Thomas introduced Wood and reflected on their time working together.

“It is my pleasure to present this plaque to my past employer and my current friend, State Rep. Debbie Wood,” Thomas said. “She has been a vital friend for the city of Lanett at the state capitol. Here are just a few things she has done for the city of Lanett: she has given over $52,000 to Lanett City Schools and more than $3 million to our community for the lights and bridge repair at Exit 79.”

Thomas presented the plaque and thanked Wood for her ongoing investment in the community.

“In recognition and thankfulness to State Rep. Debbie Wood for your tireless efforts and commitment to the city of Lanett and District 38,” she said. “With sincere gratitude for the work you have done — including the Exit 79 lights, student scholarships, Juneteenth grants, senior center computer lab and other countless contributions to this community — we thank you from the mayor and the members of the city council. We give this to you today, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025.”

Wood expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to serve the people of District 38, and to work alongside passionate community leaders.

“It has been such an honor to serve alongside people who are so passionate about their community,” Wood said. “This lady knows all my secrets. When you work with someone for as long as we did — Angelia actually took care of my office.”

Reflecting on her time serving Lanett, Wood said she is proud of the city’s progress and optimistic about its future.

“I am so thankful,” she said. “All these things she said — we did them together, didn’t we? It wasn’t just me. I want to tell you, I think Lanett has some great days ahead. Thanks to all of you for your service.”

Wood said her years representing Lanett have been meaningful and marked by growth and change in the district.

“When I was elected in 2018, I was shocked because the only part of Lanett that was in my district was West Shawmut,” she said. “The city itself wasn’t in my district — the municipal building wasn’t, and neither was the Chambers County Courthouse. District 38 was built for Chambers County, but because of population changes, we lost some of our vote to Lee County. When we had redistricting, I fought for Lanett. I wanted Lanett to be represented. Now, all of Lanett up to North 18th Street is in District 38.”

Since Wood is retiring before the end of her current term, a special election will be held Oct. 21 to determine her replacement for the Republican nomination in next year’s general election

“It is important that you know that Oct. 21 is when you get to go and elect someone to serve District 38,” Wood said. “Please go to the polls. It’s the only thing on the ballot. You have the opportunity to get someone from home to represent you.”

Wood announced her endorsement of Kristin Nelson as her successor, emphasizing the importance of local representation.

“Kristin Nelson is here, and she is local, and she is running,” Wood said. “She is the only local person running for District 38 from Chambers County who lives here. Please go vote for this primary and put her in because we need someone who understands us. We are different.”

In Other Business

• The council approved a proclamation designating Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the city of Lanett.

• The council approved two resolutions related to nuisance abatements originally passed on April 2, 2024, which were amended and restated.

• The council approved two additional resolutions related to nuisance abatements originally passed on Sept. 16, 2024, which were also amended and restated.

• The council approved Resolution No. 10-25-06, confirming the report of cost on a nuisance abatement at 907 South Jennings Ave.

• The council approved Resolution No. 10-25-07 to seek a Resource Conservation and Development Council community development grant for the senior center. The application requests $10,000 for new cafeteria windows in the nutrition department.