New Mayor, Council Members Are Sworn-In

The new mayor and council for Monticello were sworn in during a ceremony Tuesday evening.

Mayor Bryan Standifer, Mayor Pro-tem Bobby Jacobs, and Councilpersons Larry Thurman, Cornell Williams, Randy Strozier, and Katherine Alexander participated in the swearing in ceremony.

Honorable E. R. Lanier, Municipal Court Judge gave the oath of office for the new officials.

Mayor Bryan Standifer was presented his own, new, larger gavel by Bob Schwartz, City Manager.

The newly elected city officials all got to take their seats as their terms officially began January 1. The first City Council meeting is set for next Tuesday, Jan. 10.

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The ceremony featured former mayor Glenn Newsome welcoming every person and thanked them for making the trip out to show support to the incoming council. He addressed a standing room only council chambers.

Dr. Bob Whitmire, pastor of Monticello Baptist Church, addressed the council with words of wisdom and a poem that encouraged “be good for the city, and those you represent.” He asked everyone to continue to lift up the council throughout their terms in prayer.

Walter Smith, former City Manager, spoke to Mayor Standifer and the council stating that unity is a key to thriving. He talked about the history in Monticello as well as recognized the children who are the future.

Dwayne Miller spoke to the council and said that being divided gets nothing accomplished. He said that everyone in the community, churches, people, and organizations need to come together for the greater good. He said that it’s not about black and white, it’s about what matters.

State Rep. Susan Holmes addressed the council saying that though there may be disagreements, there should be respect and consideration of each other. She said that respect is earned, and that this practice will take the members a lot further and make the city of Monticello the best that it can be.

Rep. Holmes also asked that the citizens go to their elected officials and tell them what they like as well as their concerns. She said that not everyone would be pleased with every decision made, but the positive as well as the negative input was key to having a successful term.

Mayor Standifer then gave the council an opportunity for remarks. There was an invocation by Rev. Donna Calix, of St. James AME Church followed by the pledge of allegiance. Denise Parker, Bobbi Sauls, and Anna Parker then performed an a capella version of God Bless America.

Rev. Jimmy Horton of Springfield Baptist Church closed the ceremony with a prayer.