January 2014
Page 8
New Stokesdale Council Member, Mayor Sworn In
Outgoing Mayor Randle Jones (bottom right) holds a gavel as the Stokesdale Council poses for a photo underneath the town seal. Randy Braswell’s family gathers at the meeting for the new mayor’s swearing in ceremony. Photos: Star.
A special gavel has been engraved with all of the names of the mayors of Stokesdale (below) and Randy Braswell’s name has now been added to the list.
By R. Gregg, The Star STOKESDALE - At the Stokesdale Town Council meeting in December, newly elected Mayor Randy Braswell was sworn in as the new leader of the town. Braswell takes over the gavel after decades of service by outgoing mayor Randle Jones. During the swearing in, a large number of Braswell’s relatives were present for the ceremony. A special gavel was shown at the meeting that bears an engraving showing all of the mayors of the town and Braswell’s name has now been added to the list. Previous mayors include Jesse Joyce, John Flynt, and of course, Randy Jones. Also at the meeting, council member Frank Bruno was selected by the council to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. “That means I do all the work and Randy gets all the credit,” joked Bruno. The Mayor Pro Tem serves as the leader of the town when the regular mayor is absent and also leads meetings when the mayor is not present. Newly elected council member Vicki White-Lawrence was also sworn in at the December meeting. The members of the council had their picture taken together after the meeting was over in front of the Stokesdale town seal. The new mayor led his first official town meeting, but the town council is still one person short. When Braswell was elected mayor, he was still on the town council and so now the town must decide on a replacement to fill his shoes. They may decide this month.
During the meeting, Mayor Braswell spoke to the crowd assembled at the meeting. Braswell asked people to contact him directly if they have a concern. “Don’t write an anonymous letter or email...that divides our community,” said Braswell. “Stop by my house [to talk.]” Braswell said that Stokesdale needs residents to volunteer and help out. “[Let’s] put our names in President Kennedy’s question...ask not what Stokesdale can do for you, but what you can do for Stokesdale,” said Braswell. During the meeting, the council members discussed the need for more volunteers on Stokesdale committees, particularly people who had not volunteered before. Braswell said that Stokesdale is a great place to raise a family. “Surely we have realized this is a family-oriented community, as it should be,” said Braswell. “...It’s an honor to have been chosen to serve, God bless Stokesdale.” Newly sworn in council member Vicki White-Lawrence also thanked the voters for electing her to office. “I appreciate your support and for making it happen,” she said of her win in the elections in November. Council member Frank Bruno set the tone for the next year on the Stokesdale council. “It’s always been cordial,” said Bruno about the relationships between members of the town council. “We look forward to the next year and to get some stuff done,” added Bruno. ::