The Cottage Grove City Council this week selected Monique Garza to fill the seat recently vacated by council member Steve Dennis.

Monique Garza (Courtesy of City of Cottage Grove)

Dennis, who served on the council since 2015, resigned on Oct. 4. He closed his longtime business, Dennis Brothers Liquor, in July and has moved out of the city. His term was scheduled to end in 2026.

Garza is a Realtor in Cottage Grove and a longtime local volunteer. She is board member for the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of Women in Business (Cottage Grove), and host of Movies with Mo in the Park, which she launched in 2022.

“My active involvement in various community initiatives has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of our city’s unique needs and opportunities,” Garza said in a statement. “Joining the council will not only allow me to further my personal growth, it also will provide me with a platform to make an even more significant impact and help our community thrive.”

She will be sworn in at the Dec. 6 City Council meeting and will serve until the Nov. 5, 2024 special election.

Said Mayor Myron Bailey: “I am excited to welcome Monique to the city council. Monique brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for our community. I look forward to working with her to continue our amazing path of success.”

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