Newly elected Smryna Councilman Rickey Oglesby, Jr. (Screenshot from video of swearing-in ceremony)
by Arielle Robinson
Smyrna swore in its mayor and entire city council and approved staff appointments at a ceremony Wednesday evening in City Hall.
Family, friends, and local Cobb officials such as Sheriff Craig Owens packed the chambers to see elected officials take the oath of office.
Before the ceremony began, Mayor Derek Norton started by honoring former Ward 7 CouncilwomanKathy Young. The council appointed her to fill the seat last year after a former council member resigned due to moving out of the city.
“It’s really been an honor to serve with her,” Norton said. “She’s got a heart for service and has been involved in this city since we did the Visioning initiative in what, 2013, 2014. I’ve known her for 10 years and it’s just been an honor to serve this city with her. I think on behalf of the council, we just want to say thank you.”
Norton presented Young with a glass flower trophy honoring her.
Norton was the first to be sworn in.
He was re-elected in November, defeating challengers Ken Hymes and Alex Backry. Norton won with 55.09 percent of the vote to Hymes’ 43.22 percent and Backry’s 1.69 percent.
Councilmembers Charles “Corkey” Welch and Susan Wilkinson were the only councilmembers to face challengers, but both longtime councilors were re-elected. Welch has previously said that this will be his last time running for election.
Each official who was sworn in brought up their loved ones to help them take their oath and then briefly spoke. They all introduced the family members they brought up.
Norton thanked his family first.
“My family sacrificed a lot to let me do what I do for the city,” Norton said. “And I just want y’all to know how much I love and appreciate you. Thank you so much. I’m honored to have this opportunity to serve y’all again, and I could not be more proud of…
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