Changing of the guard: City of Lexington swears in new mayor and city council members
It marked the end of an era that saw great changes and challenges at the Lexington City Council meeting on July 11. During the meeting, a new mayor and four new city council members were sworn in, replacing those who have served and represented the citizens of Lexington for many years.
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Jason Hayes was sworn in as the Mayor of Lexington replacing Newell Clark, who served as mayor for the past 10 years.
Clark, who decided not to run for reelection, said he is grateful for the support of the citizens during his time as mayor, as well as all the city staff and administration. He said he is confident the new mayor and council will continue to move the city in a positive direction.
"It's been a true honor for me personally,” said Clark. “It’s something that was very special to me, and I took it to heart every day and got up went to work for the citizens. I'm very proud of what we've done as a community and as a city...I feel very confident of where we're leaving it and I'm excited about new ideas coming into the community."
Hayes said he is enthusiastic to begin his role as the mayor of Lexington and is ready to start working with the council and city staff for the citizens.
"We've had an opportunity throughout our various campaigns to talk to so many different citizens about what they like and what they would like to improve. Hopefully we're going be able to start implementing some of those improvements. So, I’m just very excited and ready to get to work,” said Hayes.
The 2021 municipal election was delayed due to the late release of the 2020 U.S. Census data due to COVID-19 which postponed the redrawing of local voting wards. Filing for candidates was suspended in December due to a lawsuit challenging the state’s redrawn electoral maps. In February, the N.C Supreme Court resumed filing and set the new municipal election and 2022 primary election for May 17.
Keith Curry representing Ward 1 replaced Donald Holt, Sr. who ran an unsuccessful bid for Lexington Mayor. Holt has been serving on the city council since 2015, when he was elected to fill the unexpired term of Rev. Herbert Miller.
"I am proud of the work we have done,” said Holt. “You really have to get up and do some work; this is not a glorified position... I'm proud of the council and the mayor that I've been able to work with. I've seen them care for the city and care for the community.”
Curry said he was excited to be able to begin his tenure as a member of the Lexington City Council. He looks forward to working to better the community and make sure everyone in the city feels represented.
“I’ve always wanted to be a voice from my community and to do all that I can, using our resources the best we can to help all of us. Lexington is on the upswing, and I want to be part of making sure as we go that we serve all areas of our community and just do the things that are going to make us stronger,” said Curry.
Jim Myers returns to the city council as the representative for Ward 2, replacing Tobin Shepherd who decided not to run for reelection.
“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to represent the people of Ward 2,” said Shepherd. “It's my considered passion to be a public service, so thanks to Ward 2 for electing me and giving me the opportunity to serve. We've done a lot of good stuff and there's more good stuff coming down the pipeline.”
Myers had previously served two terms on the Lexington City Council as an at-large member but left office when he lost in the general election in 2019. He said he is happy to be on the Lexington City Council once again and is looking forward to getting back to work to improve the city.
“It’s good to be back,” said Myers. “I feel like we didn’t get to finish the business that needed to be finished under the old board and I want to get back to it, and try to help guide the newer members towards goals that we have.”
Matt Welborn represents Ward 3, replacing Linwood Bunce. who was appointed to the Lexington City Council after the death of Victor Kiger in 2009 and has won subsequent elections.
More: 2021 Municipal Election results: Hayes wins race for Lexington Mayor
“I am excited and looking forward to serving the members of our community and doing the best that we can as a body to look out for everyone in our city,” said Welborn.
Bunce was not present at the meeting on Monday and was not available for comment.
John Burke represents Ward 4, replacing Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Alley who has served on the Lexington City Council for the past 16 and a half years.
Alley, who decided not to run for reelection, said it was a bittersweet moment for him looking back on all the progress that has been made in the city, but he is confident the new council will continue to make positive growth.
"I've been doing it a long time, but I have enjoyed it,” said Alley. “I think we've come a long way and I'm really pleased with the city, where it is and what we've done in these over these years... I think we are leaving the city in really good shape. I hope the new council will continue the forward progressive growth that we've experienced in the last many years; that they will continue moving Lexington forward.”
Burke, who has recently served on the Lexington City Schools Board of Education, said he is pleased to begin his role as a city councilman and to work with the mayor, council and city staff.
“I'm excited and looking forward to the opportunity,” said Burke “I appreciate Ward 4 for voting me in and I promised to do a good job for the city. But I am definitely excited about the future opportunities and continuing the growth of Lexington.”
The Lexington City Council consists of eight members, with six representing the different city electoral wards and two at-large members. Lexington City Council members are elected for a four-year term with four council members being elected every two years. The next municipal election for the remaining city council members is in 2023.
General news reporter Sharon Myers can be reached at sharon.myers@the-dispatch.com. Follow her on Twitter @LexDispatchSM.
This article originally appeared on The Dispatch: Lexington swears in new mayor and city council members on Monday
