Another candidate vying for one of the open seats on the Town of Kingston’s Board of Trustees is Ericka Cryer. Cryer is a lifelong resident of Kingston, and said she is deeply rooted in the community she now seeks to serve.
Born and raised in Kingston, she has never lived anywhere else. Her education, work and civic involvement have all been centered in Kingston.
From an early age, Cryer immersed herself in the Kingston community. She attended Kingston Public Schools throughout her education and played a vital role in the Kingston band for many years. Graduating in 2020, she was not only a student but also an active participant in the alumni process, walking alongside past graduates long before her own graduation.
Her early career began at Subway in Kingston before transitioning to Super C, further reinforcing her deep ties to the local workforce. After high school, Cryer pursued higher education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Durant campus, where she worked diligently to support herself as a member of campus police.
She earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, with both a major and minor in the field. Despite the opportunity to live on campus, she remained in Kingston, solidifying her lifelong connection to the town.
Cryer said her decision to run for office stems from years of frustration and a desire to be a catalyst for change. She said time and again, she voiced concerns about local issues, only to be told, “If you don’t like it, run and do it yourself.”
After much contemplation, she took that challenge to heart, choosing to step up and address the concerns that affect her fellow citizens. She said she knows that many other Kingston residents have experienced the same frustrations, and she is ready to be their voice in local government.
Cryer said she firmly believes in open communication between city officials and the citizens of Kingston. She said she promises to keep the public informed on important issues through various media channels, including social media and newspapers. If residents have questions, she promised to ensure they receive the information they are legally entitled to know.
One of her main concerns is fixing the town’s roads and addressing the longstanding red-light issue. She said she plans to thoroughly examine the city’s budget to determine how funds can be allocated efficiently for road repairs and traffic improvements. By maximizing available resources and identifying necessary tools, she aims to make Kingston’s streets safer and more functional.
Cryer recognized that city council members serve the people. She said she is committed to listening to citizens' concerns and working toward practical solutions.
She promised to prioritize current issues before expanding into future initiatives, ensuring that Kingston’s immediate needs are met first. Cryer said she pledges to operate with honesty and integrity.
She will uphold legal obligations while ensuring that citizens are wellinformed about city matters. By maintaining open lines of communication, she said she aims to foster trust between the government and the people it serves. With deep roots in the community, a solid educational background and a passion for addressing Kingston’s challenges, Cryer said she is ready to bring meaningful change to the city council. She invited the citizens of Kingston to join her in shaping a better future for their town.