SPRINGTOWN — Springtown could see its first female mayor as Richelle Pruitt, who currently
holds Place 4 on the Springtown City Council, filed her application to run for the office of mayor Thursday, Feb. 13.
The filing period for those wishing to run for local elected offices was open from Jan. 15 through Feb. 14 for the May 3, 2025, Uniform Election.
If elected mayor, Pruitt wants to continue the positive track Springtown is on.
“We would continue the positive track we are on,” Pruitt said. “We are going to continue to evolve over the next five years.”
Pruitt first became involved in public service when Dennie Harms ap- proached her in 2017 to run for council. Pruitt was elected to the Springtown City Council in May 2017, defeating then Mayor Pro Tem Robert Wilson.
Springtown City Council member Richelle Pruitt is running for the mayor’s office. COURTESY PHOTO
She was reelected in May 2019, May 2021 and May 2023. Pruitt did consider running for mayor in 2023, but chose to wait for the right time, which she says is now.
“After four terms serving as a city council member and Greg Hood confirming he would not seek reelection, I felt like it was time to alter my focus slightly and run for mayor,” Pruitt said.
Addressing the city’s challenges, Pruitt wants to improve city regulations and manage residential growth.
“Growth is our biggest challenge,” Pruitt said. “I’m aware that growth can’t be stopped, but it can be controlled. I will continue our ongoing work to regulate growth to the limit of our zoning authority. There have been a few projects that may have moved a little too fast due to the constraints placed on the city by state law, but we are continuing to improve our regulations within the confines of state law. We are in desperate need of another grocery store. I hope to get a little more insight into our efforts to make that happen.”
As for expanding Springtown’s infrastructure, Pruitt said the city has been proactive in this area and wants to expand on the current plans.
“The city has been proactive in preparing for the future,” Pruitt said. “We already have plans in place to increase production and maintain quality at our water treatment plant and wastewater treatment plant. City council and staff have outlined the streets in need of repair in order of severity, had a Parks Master Plan completed and recently received a park grant. In addition, we are working on a downtown plan and more community events.”
Pruitt is a big advocate for economic growth as her family has had success in the restaurant business in Springtown.
“Springtown is a great place to live with successful old and new businesses,” Pruitt said. “There’s a lot of positive focus on recruiting quality businesses that have the potential to bring in jobs. There is nothing more inviting to a successful business owner than to see other businesses thriving. My grandparents started Howell’s Western Cafe nearly 63 years ago that is now a staple in this town. My granny, Dorothy Howell, always said, “There is enough business for everyone.”
As for Springtown’s rich history, Pruitt wants to keep that small-town, nostalgic spirit alive.
“There is a lot of history in our little town,” Pruitt said. “So many of us love to reminisce, but will the future generations be as eager to share stories? The old pictures and newspaper articles hanging around the cafe often trigger nostalgia. Our museum will continue to tell the story of Springtown to future generations. My hope is that we can maintain that small-town feel.”
Pruitt wants to continue the great partnership between the city and its citizens by keeping the consistent transparency Springtown has with its citizens.
“I will continue the partnerships the city has with all stakeholders,” Pruitt said. “I won’t attempt to change the way the city council or city staff operate. I believe we have been very transparent in our communication with citizens. The council is very conscious that the decisions we make affect our citizens and we do everything possible to avoid any hardships.”
As for Springtown’s financial health, Pruitt says the city has worked hard and is proud about the decisions it has made to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent diligently.
“The council and staff have worked very hard to build a strong financial foundation,” Pruitt said. “Over the last several years we have been able to build reserves, paying cash for as much as possible. Our staff understands municipal finance and as long as we continue to make responsible financial decisions we will continue to thrive.”
Pruitt said if she is elected Springtown’s mayor, it won’t be her first-time making history in Springtown.
“Being the first female mayor would be the second time my being part of city council made history,” Pruitt said. “Several years ago, we had four female council members. Being part of the city council has been a great privilege and being elected mayor would be the greatest honor of my life. However, I don’t think much would change. I’m still going to be working at the cafe and I will still be accessible to the citizens.”
Win or lose, Pruitt is grateful to serve Springtown in any way possible.
“Springtown is my home. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve my community in whatever capacity is available to me,” Pruitt said.
