City Council was officially sworn Dec. 30 with three new council members taking office.
Probate Judge Todd Blackwell led the ceremony, swearing in Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan, Dr. Collinda Lee, Arlene Simmons, Denese Shinholster, Morgan Pendergast, Shonya Mapp, and Dr. Jeffery Wells. Simmons, Pendergast, and Wells are new to the council representing Districts 2, 4, and 6, respectively.
The mayor and council each swore their oath with family members and close friends chosen to stand at their side from the audience. The council room was overfilled by people in attendance, overflowing the moment the members were released to interact with their loved ones.
“District 2 wanted change,” said Simmons after being sworn in. “I am humbled and ready to serve. I do it through God.”
When asked of her plans starting this new year, Simmons stated she wants to focus on beautification, communication with her fellow council members and the public, and starting her newsletter that will keep District 2 up to date on decisions and projects being made or discussed by the council.
“I don’t have a speech prepared but I would like everyone to know I am grateful to listen and serve,” said Pendergast, the youngest member of the council at only 27 years old.
Pendergast is looking forward to learning the process of acting as a member of the council and learning to lead from her peers.
“I have fought the fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith,” said Wells. “When the mayor says she hopes to grow this city, she is singing my song. My goal is to make Milledgeville better than the way we found it.”
Wells further stated that staying true to their word, putting citizens first, and working together to make Milledgeville a better place is the center of a city council’s goal.
“I want to thank [Former District 6 council member] Steve Chambers (who was in the audience), who worked to serve the city for 28 years,” said Wells. “I will work to fill those shoes. If you (the citizens) need me, I am a phone call or email away.”
Mapp also shared her gratitude to the citizens of Milledgeville for electing her again after she unexpectedly filled the role as District 5 council member, following the passing of Richard “Boo” Mullins Jr. Mullins had served as the District 5 representative for more than 20 years before his passing.
“I want to give special recognition to Ophelia Sanford-Mullins, mother of the late Richard “Boo” Mullins Jr., who is not here today,” said Mapp. “I want to thank District 5 and the citizens of Milledgeville for your trust and support in reelecting me and allowing me the opportunity to continue to serve with dedication, integrity, and compassion.”
Closing the ceremony, Parham-Copelan recognized District 4 Council Member Walter Reynolds, who sat behind the new council as they were sworn in. She acknowledged his wisdom over the years and her sadness that he would not be a part of the council this new term while wishing him the best on his next path.
The first city council meeting of the year will be Jan. 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers on the second floor of City Hall located at 119 E. Hancock St.