Troy, Goshen and Brundidge officials take the reins during Monday ceremonies

For the first time in 27 years, Troy has a new mayor.

Jason Reeves was sworn in at a ceremony at Troy’s City Hall Monday morning, along with council members Johnny Witherington, Charlie Dunn, Greg Meeks, Marcus Paramore and Dejerilyn Henderson.

“The pages of history turned today and a new administration begins,” Witherington said during a short council meeting following the ceremony.

Witherington said he was looking forward to working with the council newcomers, Meeks, Paramore and Henderson, as well as beside Reeves and Dunn.

Reeves, the youngest elected official in Troy’s history, took the mayor’s seat in the council chambers for the first time.

“I am so grateful to everyone,” Reeves said. “It’s a very special day for me and my family.”

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM TROY’S CEREMONY, CLICK HERE.

Charlie Dunn jokingly said he was happy to be an elder on the council, now.

“A little seniority is nice,” Dunn laughed, noting he had been the youngest person on the council, with the exception of Reeves, for eight years.

Greg Meeks is now taking on the role of councilmember for District 2, a seat held by his father, Charles, for many years.

“I know we have some big shoes to fill from the last mayor and city council, but we’re going to try to do our best,” Meeks said.

The day was a long time coming for Henderson.

“It is such a privilege and honor to sit here after 30 years of trying to get here,” Henderson said. “I am just thrilled all over, just totally thrilled.”

Paramore, also new to the council, said he was ready to get to work.

“I am looking forward to getting started and looking forward to making our city bigger and better,” Paramore said.

Monday afternoon, Mayor Jack Waller was sworn in for another term in Goshen.

Joining Waller at the ceremony at Town Hall were the five newly-elected council members – Malon Johnson, Darren Jordan, Jane Hughes, William McMaster and Carter Sanders.

Waller said that this council has experience on its side, and vision to see the needs of the community.

“We all love Goshen,” said Waller. “We are excited to get started and looking forward to working together. We need some improvements on the streets, and we are going to work harder with the schools and maybe even get a new ball field during this administration.”

All the council members have experience in the town’s government, except for Hughes. But Waller said that Hughes has worked as bookkeeper in the past, and that is something that will benefit the council.

“Jane will be a big advantage for us,” said Waller. “We will use her expertise quite a bit.”

Brundidge rounded out the day’s ceremonies, as two new members were welcomed to its council Monday afternoon. Three council members and the mayor returned.

Mayor Jimmy Ramage was sworn in for his 11th term of office. Ramage was first sworn into city government in 1976.

He said serving the Brundidge community has been an honor and privilege for the past 36 years and he is excited about the next term of office.

“The city has several opportunities coming our way,” Ramage said. “It is my hope that the mayor and council will be successful in bringing these opportunities to fruition. They will mean a lot to our community.”

Cynthia Pearson will represent District 4 for the sixth term and said she is looking forward to continuing the forward movement of the city.

“We have the possibility of an industry locating in Brundidge and there are things that we want to improve, including recreation,” Pearson said. “We are moving forward. I love Brundidge and I love the people. I enjoy serving on the council and being a voice for those I represent. I want to always make the people proud. I will always do the right thing so that they can be proud.”

Arthur Lee Griffin will begin his fifth term as council member for District 2.

Griffin said he appreciates the opportunity to serve District 2 again.

“It is my goal to bring new jobs and more jobs to Brundidge and to do more things for our kids and our seniors,” Griffin said. “Our goal is to grow and move forward as we pray and hope for the better. We are a small town but we need to and can attract more industries. And, we must meet the needs of the people and they can feel free to call on me any time.”

Steven Coleman was elected to a second term and he said being on the city council means “the world to me.”

“During my first term, I had a lot of questions and I learned a lot these first four years,” he said. “I am so proud that the people of District 5 gave me a second chance to serve.”

Betty Baxter, District 1, and Margaret Ross, District 3, are both newcomers to city politics and both said they are looking forward to being actively involved in city government.

Baxter said that she will serve District 1 to the best of her ability.

“And, whatever the complaints are, I plan to get them on the agenda and before the mayor and other council members,” she said.

Ross said that she is looking forward to beginning her term on the city council.

“I realize that, never having been involved in politics, I have a lot to learn,” she said. “I hope to do a good job and feel like that I will. I’m looking forward to working with the other members of the Brundidge City Council and to serving District 3 and the city of Brundidge.”