Petersburg councilor takes his oath to represent the ward where he grew up
PETERSBURG — As he took his City Council oath of office Monday afternoon, Marlow Jones got to the point where he had to repeat the words, "and will to the best of my ability."
Overcome with emotion at that moment, Jones paused to gather himself. After about 30 seconds, he repeated the words.
"I've been giving it my all from Day One," Jones said when asked what prompted his pause. "And when I got to that part about 'to the best of my ability,' that means I ain't leaving no stone unturned. That means I'm going through the mountain. And we ain't gonna go around it, that means we're gonna go through it."
Even though he will not officially take his Ward 1 council seat until Jan. 1., Jones was sworn in by Petersburg Clerk of Court Maytee Parham at the corner of Old Church and Bank streets, in a vacant lot beside his boyhood home. Flanked by his mother, daughter and family, Jones said he wanted to start his council career "on the street where I grew up."
Jones was the only non-incumbent to win a council seat last month. He defeated Chioma Adaku Griffin for the right to succeed retiring 12-year councilor Treska Wilson-Smith.
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Monday's moment might have marked the beginning of Jones' council career, but it also brought to an end his 10-year battle to get on council. Three times rebuffed in trying to become Ward 2's representative, his fortunes changed when his residence was redistricted into Ward 1, which encompasses most of eastern Petersburg.
With all of that now behind him and a four-yar council term in front of him, Jones said now was the time "to get to work." When asked if the previous 10 years was worth that moment, he said yes.
"I'm from these streets, and that's why I wanted to be sworn in in the street," Jones said. "This is where I grew up. It's just ironic that I'm right here in the ward where I grew up. God knew what he was doing when I was running for Ward 2. That wasn't the ward for me."
In a show of solidarity, incumbent Ward 2 councilor Darrin Hill was on hand to watch the brief ceremony. Afterward, they embraced and shared some kind words.
Jones also said he was fortunate to take his oath in front of his mother, Nancy Thomas. She has had a series of health setbacks, including a recent stroke. However, with a portable oxygen tank in hand, his mother said she would not have missed it for the world.
"I'm so proud of him," she said.
The other winners of the Nov. 8 election will take their oaths at council's reorganizational meeting Jan. 1.
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Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on Twitter at @BAtkinson_PI.
This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg councilor-takes oath of office next to where he grew up
