The Saenger Theater in downtown Hattiesburg hosted the inauguration of Hattiesburg’s city council and mayor Tuesday morning. Each councilmember and the mayor filled the room with hope for the future of the Hub City, conveying the progress already in the works along with goals to work toward.
The master of ceremonies was Dr. Delores McNair, the dean of students at William Carey University and president of the A-rated Hattiesburg Public School District’s Board of Trustees. Following a welcome address by Representative Missy Warren McGee of House District 102 of the Mississippi Legislature, an invocation given in both Spanish and English by Pastor David Martinez of Iglesia Vida, presentation of the colors by Hattiesburg police and fire departments’ honor guards, the pledge of allegiance led by Girl Scout Troop 4881 and Boy Scout Troop 93 and the national anthem performed by the Hattiesburg High School String Quartet, each of the councilmembers was sworn into office.
Jeffrey George of ward one was sworn into office by Judge Wes Curry; Eric Boney of ward two was sworn into office by Judge Carol Jones Russell; LeAnn Vance of ward three was sworn into office by Judge Mary M. Conville; Dave Ware of ward four was sworn into office by Judge Michael Reed and Nicholas Brown of ward five was sworn into office by Judge Russell.
After a powerful performance from the West Point Baptist Church Choir and inaugural prayer given by Pastor Michael N. Dixon of Ekklesia Church, Mayor Toby Barker was sworn into office by Judge Conville.
