|
|
|
|
Now sworn in, new mayor, aldermen ready to get to work |
|
Friday, 03 July 2009 |
 Brian Hawkins/SDN Incoming Mayor Parker Wiseman, center left, is sworn in by U.S. District Court Judge Mike Mills, right, as his wife, Lindsey, holds the Bible for him. By BRIAN HAWKINS
and KELLY DANIELS
Starkville Daily News
Incoming Mayor Parker Wiseman said he is ready for the challenge of helping to lead Starkville’s municipal government as he and the seven members of the Board of Aldermen took their oaths of office Thursday morning.
Flanked by spouses and other family members, Wiseman and aldermen Ben Carver, Sandra Sistrunk, Eric Parker, Richard Corey, Jeremiah Dumas, Roy A. Perkins and Henry Vaughn Sr. were sworn in by U.S. District Court Judge Mike Mills of Oxford, who was one of Wiseman’s law school professors at the University of Mississippi.
The ceremony was held in front of City Hall on Lampkin Street, which was blocked off to allow the nearly 150 residents attending a place to watch the mid-morning proceedings.
“I can’t help but be reminded of when I stood here on this spot six months ago and got ready to address a group of people and tell them I was running for mayor,” said Wiseman, 28, who will be the youngest mayor in Starkville history.
“That day was a bit colder, but like today, I sensed the gravity of the moment and the challenge of the days to come,” Wiseman said.
Noting the diverse professions of the new and returning members of the Board of Aldermen, Wiseman said he is looking forward to serving with them.
“I am honored to join seven people who have their own stories and made their own journeys to get here today,” said Wiseman. “They are a remarkable group of people. There is not a community anywhere who can boast such talent among the their leaders as we have in Starkville.”
Stressing the importance of putting the needs of the people first, Wiseman noted several challenges that are facing the city, including promoting continued growth, improving quality of life and overcoming “the struggle that has divided us for too long” — development of a new City Hall and justice complex.
“We must rise to the challenge, unite and overcome it,” said Wiseman, emphasizing that he and all the aldermen have the city’s best interests at heart. “We should never forget that we all want Starkville succeed.”
Remembering the facial expression of his wife, Lindsey, the day he publicly announced his mayoral bid in front of City Hall, Wiseman said he saw the same expression on her face Thursday morning.
“Lindsey has that look on her face again. She sees that something big is about to happen,” Wiseman said, smiling at his wife.
“My heart is full of excitement, and I am ready for the challenge.”
Wiseman asked residents to support him and the aldermen and to provide them with regular feedback.
“Work with us as your new leaders and help us be the leaders you want us to be,” he said.
Full of good moods and positive perspectives, other elected officials are also looking ahead.
Outgoing Ward 1 Alderman Sumner Davis said he looked forward to the incoming administration.
“They’re going to be facing tough challenges, not of their own making,” he said, explaining the current projections of the city’s tight budget. “We’re very fortunate to have such a well rounded group of officials and I’m confident they have the ability to serve the city well.”
As Davis’ successor, Carver said he is looking ahead.
“The honeymoon is nearing an end,” Carver said after Thursday’s ceremony.
Vaughn, who will soon take the Ward 7 seat, said he was inspired by God to represent his ward and would make his future decisions accordingly.
“This is a great city we live in, and I’m looking forward to doing the best I can to serve its people,” Vaughn said
Still growing accustomed to speaking to the press, Sistrunk, the incoming Ward 2 alderwoman, said she was looking forward to starting the job.
“I feel good today,” she said.
Outgoing Mayor Dan Camp pointed out that half of the city’s new elected officials represent the younger generations of Starkville residents.
“I think it can be said that the youth of this city have come home. Four of those who will be leading this wonderful community are under the age of 30,” Camp said. “I pledge my support to all of them as I’m sure the other former aldermen will do, as well.”
Other inaugural activities held Thursday included a morning prayer service at First United Methodist Church and an inaugural gala at the State Theatre on Main Street.
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 06 July 2009 )
|
 |
|
|
|
