01-04-10 - City Officials Sworn In During Council Meeting

City Officials Sworn In During Council Meeting

The City of McDonough Council Chamber was packed as the January 5, 2010 City Council meeting began. The first session of ‘10 would include the swearing in of reelected Mayor Billy Copeland, Councilmembers Sandra Vincent and Rufus Stewart, and first term Councilmember Rufus Amis.

Family members and friends watched intently as 2009 Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Smith dropped the gavel and called the meeting to order while the Mayor waited in the audience to be sworn in for his second consecutive four year term.

Rufus Stewart, a 21 year veteran Councilmember, was the first to take the oath of office from Henry County State Court Judge James T. Chafin. Councilman Stewart was joined at the podium by three sisters, Martha Shepherd, Mandy Stewart, and Barbara Hill, who joined together in holding their brother’s Bible during the ceremonial oath of office.

Next to be sworn in was Sandra Vincent starting her second four year term in office. With her Bible open instead of closed, Judge Chafin read the oath aloud for the incumbent to repeat as a smile spread across her face. Councilmember Vincent was also nominated and voted in as Mayor Pro Tem for 2010 by her fellow Councilmembers.

Council newcomer Rufus Amis was the last Councilmember to be called to the podium. He was joined by several family members in front of the crowd gathered as his wife Nonie held the Bible as soon-to-be Councilmember Amis was sworn in.

The final oath was to be administered by Judge Chafin to McDonough’s incumbent Mayor, Billy Copeland. Mayor Copeland has served in this capacity for a total of 23 years as well as having served as a City Councilmember for several years prior to being elected Mayor for the first time. His wife Gloria held the Bible as family members joined them.

The Mayor, a fifth generation McDonough resident, presented an inspiring oration following being sworn in. He spoke about the future of McDonough and the commitment of the Council, the Mayor, and the City Administrator to make McDonough, Georgia all that it can be. His speech was followed by inspiring words from all six Councilmembers.

The key word for these City officials, as a brand new year begins, is ‘TEAM.’ The direction has been chartered—forward; the path has been laid—one of unity; the focus defined—positive results; and the invitation has been extended by Mayor Copeland himself - “Come Grow with McDonough!”

As the journey begins, TEAM ’10 will mark this new decade with both determination and cooperation as they strive together to make this City…”truly the land of milk and honey”…as described by Councilmember Vincent in her timely remarks.

A reception, on the third floor of City Hall, followed the meeting to honor those public officials returning and the new addition to the McDonough City Council.