Letter to the Editor: Family Backs Hodges for WW Council
Just a few years ago, our step-mother, Cheryl Hodges, had asked us how we would feel about her running for council woman here in Westwood to fill the incoming mayor’s seat. We both knew that she didn’t need to ask us, but that is just the person that she is. She wanted to make sure […]
By Always Westwood Team on Oct. 28, 2021
Just a few years ago, our step-mother, Cheryl Hodges, had asked us how we would feel about her running for council woman here in Westwood to fill the incoming mayor’s seat. We both knew that she didn’t need to ask us, but that is just the person that she is. She wanted to make sure everyone was comfortable with this decision before she jumped in. She explained that it would be a position that required a lot of time but she was excited and eager to give back to the town that has been so good to our family.
Our family has been in our beloved Westwood for four generations. We love it here. This is where we want our kids to grow up as our grandfather did; minus the delivering milk on the back of a horse drawn wagon before school. It is a wholesome community, our little slice of old school Americana.
We always knew Westwood was a special place. But in January of 2010, it’s people really showed us. We lost our brother, U.S.M.C. Sgt. Christopher Hrbek, in Afghanistan. In the blink of an eye, our world was ripped apart. And into that breech stepped our amazing community, showing love and support for which we will forever be grateful. Immediately friends started showing up at our family home. Various restaurants and establishments around town were bringing food to help feed all of the people coming in offering their condolences and support. Chris’s Marine Corp. family was coming from all over, firefighters from all over, and all kinds of people who wanted to pay their respects for not only our brother, but a fallen Marine. The town and whole community opened up their arms (and doors) and welcomed everyone that had traveled near and far. That’s what made us smile at such a difficult time. Americans young and old, lining the streets with American flags, to pay respect to our brother as he passed through town for the last time. That’s when we really knew the generous heart of our hometown.
We can honestly say that this is Cheryl’s way of giving back to the community that was our rock in such a terrible time. She wants the best for our town. So when asked if we were going to be alright with a bid for reelection, we responded with, “Absolutely! Without a doubt, we all whole-heartedly support you 100%. Go get ‘em!” She is all about her work as a Councilwoman and talks with such enthusiasm and excitement about upcoming events and topics around “The Hub”. We would just like to thank everyone for their continued support of our stepmother and ask that she be returned to Westwood Council on November 2.
— Jim Hodges, Westwood