Richard Wants to See Jal Lake Redone
By John Earp
Rebekah Richard is running for reelection to the Jal City Council. When asked why she decided to run for reelection, she said, “I enjoy being on the city council. I like how they make decisions that help our city. There’s not really a specific reason I just enjoy doing it. I want to be able to help.
When asked, “What are some of the things you’ve been proud to have been a part of in your nearly six years on the council,” Richard said, “There’s things that I personally have enjoyed helping with, like the skate park, the basketball courts, adding value to our community and things for people to get outside and do. And I think that some of the stuff that we’re still working on now, like the EMS Building and the police department, I think that those are really good things that we’re working towards. I think, eventually, the city hall, when it’s finished, it’s going to provide extra room and space for kids and adults and stuff for them to do, like, the gym and the weight room and stuff.”
When asked, “What do you think should be the major priorities that the city council should work on in the coming year, two, whatever, in the future here?” Richard said, “We’ve been working really hard at getting all the streets fixed and repaired, and for 128 when it goes into construction. I think that finishing that off, getting those done, getting that truck route in place, I think that that would be a huge help for trucks going around and tearing up our roads. I think finishing up the EMS building and getting the police department going, situated where that’s going to go, I think those are some of the big things that would help our community. Eventually, I’d like to see the lake redone. I keep bringing it up at the meetings, but…it brings a lot of value. What I keep hearing is nobody wants to mess with it because they don’t want the rebuttal or whatever from people saying, you know, how long is it taking? And I’m sure people are going to complain that it’s, you know, not getting done quickly enough. And I think that that’s like the major thing. Because, like a lot of people enjoy walking that lake and going over there and spending time, like families like to do that. So I really wish we could get that done.”
When asked what she would say if someone asked her why they should vote for her, Richard said, “Well, that’s a good question. I try to listen and get the whole story when we’re making decisions and try to make the best decision for everyone involved in Jal, not just a few.
Richard served for several years as a math teacher before transitioning into becoming a professional mental health counselor. She said, “I never planned on staying in math forever. It was just to get me where I was going.” About her new career as a professional counselor, Richard said, “I very much enjoy it. Yes, I love it. I like being able to help people. And honestly, I hope I never go back to school. I was older than most when I finished my bachelor’s degree. And then when I finished my master’s, I was just like, okay, I don’t ever want to do this again.”
Richard says she and her husband Nathan have lived in Jal for a little over 10 years. The two have been married for almost 23 years. Their two youngest children are seniors at Jal High this year. Mr. Richard is the principal of Jal Junior High.