Denise Wood, Dalton's first city councilwoman, talks during a meeting at City Hall.DALTON, Ga.-Knowing she would be the first woman to serve on Dalton's City Council in 160 years was one reason Denise Wood decided to run for office four years ago.
"It was kind of a hook," Wood said. "That means for 160 years there were only men. To break that barrier was a challenge."
Four years later, Wood, 56, says the experience has been mostly positive. She said she was immediately accepted by the other council members as part of the team. It has been rewarding to guide the city during difficult economic times and make decisions she believes will help residents, she said.
But as an elected woman in Northwest Georgia, Wood frequently is reminded that few women run for local office, and even fewer are elected.
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