Durham city council appointed a progressive replacement for the Ward 3 vacancy in a special meeting Tuesday morning.
Chelsea Cook touts herself as an “eviction defense attorney.” She was chosen from four finalists to fill the vacancy left by new mayor Leonardo Williams, who was elected from his existing council seat.
Cook’s full application can be viewed here.
See Cook’s answer on public safety — she speaks the progressive jargon of empathy and oppression with ease.
“I believe that public safety is best served by meeting the needs of our community and by fostering a shared respect for and commitment to others’ wellbeing. Over-criminalization and high rates of incarceration, traditionally weaponized against Black and brown folks, disrupt and traumatize communities and do not make us safer. However, I know that gun violence and other forms of conflict are common events for many in Durham; each death or injury is one too many, and our Memorial Quilt is far too long. It is important to me that Durham continue implementing and cultivating creative alternatives to outdated systems, such as the HEART Program, and that this is paired with real and intentional investment in the wellbeing of our community.”
Cook will be sworn in Tuesday night at the regular session. The term ends in November 2025.
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