Councilwoman Andrea D. Oates has some large shoes to fill. She currently holds Post 6 in the City of Plains. Her mother, the late Councilwoman Brenda Oates Pickett, served on Post 6 at the time of her passing-a position she held for over a decade. For her, considering all of her mother's accomplishments, it would be presumptuous to assume that she could fill those shoes. After all, her mother has a street named in her honor, a dedicated bench in Logan Park in downtown Plains, as well as Special Congressional Recognition presented by Senator Sanford Bishop (posthumously).

However, she is committed to trying-not trying to gather accolades, but to serve faithfully and diligently as her mother did. It is obvious from her achievements that Councilwoman Oates excels in all she puts her hands to. Councilwoman Oates was born and reared in Plains. She attended Sumter County Comprehensive High School where she graduated salutatorian with the highest SAT score of her class. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from Howard University with cum laude distinction. After being awarded a National Science Foundation Research Trainee Grant, she completed a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. She went on to teach at various universities and secondary institutions.

Councilwoman Oates has a proven commitment to community service. Upon her mother's passing, she and family members established the Brenda Oates Pickett Memorial Organization. The mission of the group is to minister to the particular needs of the elderly and the youth of the community- her mother's passion. Continuing in her stead, the organization has annually provided nearly 100 Thanksgiving meals to the elderly. In addition, they prepare and distribute more than 50 citrus baskets to area elderly. They also hosted a Back-to-School event where the youth were treated to entertainment by a DJ, water slides, jumping castles, popcorn, hotdogs, and slush beverages at no cost. Students received school supplies. This year the organization contributed to the Back to- School Luau at the Plains Boys' and Girls' Club.

Since joining the council last year, Councilwoman Oates has served as a liaison for the Plains Boys' and Girls' Club. She was instrumental in bringing community leaders together to ensure that the club and its swimming pool were operational throughout the summer.

After her persistent effort to help deter the operational costs, the Mayor secured a donation that covered the facility's water bill for a year. She also created a periodical newsletter, "Happenings," to inform citizens of executive decisions and promote local events.

She hopes to be re-elected to the Post to continue making positive investments in the lives of its residents. "My sincere desire is to represent the community without partiality," she says. She serves as chairperson of Hospitality & Public Relations. In addition, she also serves as co-chairperson of the Public Safety committee.