New council takes oath of office

The 2016-2020 city council stepped on the City Hall dais for the first time tonight as they were given the oath of office.

After a performance of the National Anthem by Ward 3 Representative Walter Jones, Mayor Scott McBrayer and the council members were given the oath of office while family and friends watched from the audience.

This was followed by committee and board liaison assignments for each member. The council also voted for Ward 5 Representative Peter Wright to continue serving as council president pro-tem, and confirmed the continuing service of city clerk Melody Salter, city attorney Mike Kendrick and other city staff.

After this, each council member was given the chance to recognize spouses, children, parents and other family members and friends in the audience. The mood was lighthearted, as council members recalled campaigning days in 100-degree heat and recognized what their families give up to allow them to serve.

“Campaigning’s not easy, so they all took a lot of late night phone calls of frustration from me, like I’m sure your families did," McBrayer said.

“You can all pretty much give up on Monday nights from now on,” new Ward 2 Representative Mike Higginbotham told his family.

Ward 3 Representative Patrick McClusky got a laugh from the audience when he pointed out that no one had come with him for the night's ceremonies, “but I promise you they support me.” Jones leaned over to give him a hug in support.

A few of the longer-serving members also reflected on previous terms and inauguration days. McBrayer, whose mother and girlfriend were in attendance, noted that his father was present for the 2012 oath of office but passed away about three years ago.

“So I miss him being here tonight, but I did put a picture of him in my pocket,” McBrayer said.

The meeting was followed by a small reception for the council members and their families.