Staff Writer

Oct. 3, 2000 10 PM

Surrounded by family and friends, members of the Brundidge and Troy City Councils were sworn into office Monday afternoon.

Like cities across the state, Pike County’s two cities held swearing-in ceremonies on the first Monday of October in accordance with the Constitution of Alabama.

At 2 p.m. in Troy, City Hall was swarming with people who turned out to show support of the council which was re-elected in whole.

Municipal Judge Nick Cervera gave the oath to Mayor Jimmy Lunsford, and council members José Henderson, Charles Meeks, Jason Reeves, John Witherington and Wanda Moultry.

After promising to "faithfully execute" the laws set by the Constitution of Alabama and the Constitution of the United States, the Troy City Council opened its organizational meeting with prayer

The Rev. Bobby Cox offered thanks to God for the freedom and democracy enjoyed by the citizens and asked God to "support them (council members) with your mighty hand."

He also asked God to "keep them mindful of the sacred trust" bestowed on them by the populace.

The first item of business for the council was to elect a president. Witherington was re-elected to preside over each of the council’s meetings. Henderson was elected as president pro tem.

Council members then established standing committees and re-appointed some individuals to serve the city.

City Clerk Alton Starling was re-appointed, as was Fire Chief Ray Rhodes, Police Chief Anthony Everage and Cervera as municipal judge.

Lunsford was re-appointed to the Southeast Alabama Gas District Board of Directors and Henderson was chosen to serve on the planning commission.

Lunsford said he is looking forward to continuing the efforts of the council, which made history by all being re-elected.

"It’s such as testimony to the job you five people do," Lunsford said of all returning to office.

There was a 46 percent turnover in municipal elections throughout Alabama, this year, the mayor said.

"It is good to know we’re returning intact."

Henderson expressed appreciation to the electors who made that fact possible.

He said that is testimony of the respect each council member has for each other and for the citizens as a whole.

"I’m honored to be elected to serve again," said Meeks, who was re-elected with no opposition. "I look forward to four more good years."

Looking at his infant son and wife, Reeves said, "my cup runneth over," with gratitude for family and friends who have supported him the past four years and have shown support by re-electing him.

Moultry tearfully thanked God and family and explained "it’s joy" causing those tears.

She also expressed appreciation for those who put their trust in her and returned her to the council seat for another four years.

"We have a lot of things on the horizon," Witherington said, adding is a "honor and privilege" to work with the mayor.

Less than an hour after those words were spoken, Brundidge’s Municipal Judge Don Dickert swore in those six who promised to "faithfully and honestly discharge the duties of the office of which I am about to enter to the best of my ability, so help me God."

Mayor Jimmy Ramage and council members Sherroll Tatom, Cynthia Pearson, Vernon Jackson, Isabell Boyd and Arthur Griffin then took care of some matters of business.

Boyd was elected chairwoman pro tem and will preside over meetings in the mayor’s absence.

The council also re-appointed Britt Thomas as city manager and Moses Davenport as police chief and Ramage as utility superintendent.

Members then ratified where the city funds are kept. Those banks include the First Bank of Brundidge, Colonial Bank and the Bank of New York for some bonds.