2009-2011 council takes office

In a ceremony lasted some twenty minutes, District 9 Court Judge J. Henry Banks administered the oath of office to the members of the 2009-2010 Henderson City Council.

Beginning with Ward 1’s Mary Emma Evans, the re-elected members took turns taking the oath, many with friends, spouses, and family members by their sides.

Banks saved the swearing in of newly elected member Sara Coffey for last, stating that “this is the time where it becomes serious”.

“Now is the time you feel the burden,” Banks remarked of Coffey’s taking of office.

Banks served on the Henderson City Council for over twelve years before he was appointed to the bench by Gov. James B. Hunt in April of 1996.

Henderson Mayor Pete O’Geary with granddaughter (left) and Judge J. Henry Banks (right)

After the ceremony, Henderson Mayor Pete O’Geary remarked that the outgoing council worked hard to increase transparency, made the city’s first strategic plan, participated in the reformation of the the Economic Development Commission, hired a new city manager, city clerk, and city attorney, and has enjoyed a reduction in the crime rate. He said that the council’s accomplishments would not have been possible without the Vance County Board of Commissioners, citizens of Henderson, and the business community.

O’Geary said that the new council “will face many challenges”.

“I love this city. I believe in its future,” O’Geary told the near-capacity audience.

Council member Mary Emma Evans (center right) with Pastor Frank Sossamon (right) and husband (center left)

Member Mary Emma Evans thanked her friends and those who voted for her.

“I will continue to represent you to the best of my ability,” Evans said. She said that she had run on a platform of fairness in city government and would continue to do that.

Council member Sara Coffey (right of Banks) with husband (to her left), Reginald Hawley (left), and work associate Angela

Newly-sworn member Sara Coffey gave thanks to her supporters. She said that she hoped to earn [the public’s] respect and do the things that she was elected to do. She said that she has always had and would continue to have “an open door policy”.

City Council member Mike Inscoe with wife Barbara

Council member Mike Inscoe thanked the citizens who elected him to his second term. He said that he is “humbled and honored to serve”. He said that he would work diligently to make Henderson a better place to live.

City Council member Mike Rainey with wife Anora

Ward 2 member Mike Rainey thanked those “with the faith and confidence” to vote for him. He said he loves the people here [in Henderson] and he “loves this town”. He said that he wants to have had a special part in developing Henderson. Rainey lauded the council for working together as a team and characterized it as a group with few divisions. He also remarked that the thought Coffey would do a great job.

City Council member Brenda Peace with friend, daughters, and granddaughter

Ward 3’s Brenda Peace thanked the audience for its vote of confidence. She said that running unopposed freed her to help other people.

“I knew I would have to do it again to put into effect that which I learned,” she said.

Council member Garry Daeke

Member Garry Daeke said that it was a pleasure to be [on the council] again. He said that he believes in the community and that the council is just like a family. He pledged to continue to work hard.

Member Lonnie Davis and wife

Council member Lonnie Davis said that it was a pleasure to be sitting [on the council] again. He said that it was difficult for all of the citizenry to agree, but that “we can all be agreeable”.

“That’s what this council is about,” Davis said.

Member George Daye and wife

Lastly, member George Daye stated his pleasure to be re-elected to the council. He stated a hope that the things he had learned would help him be “more aggressive later on”.

“I love Henderson,” Daye said. “I love the people here.”

Davis was then re-appointed to the position of Mayor Pro-Tempore by unanimous vote after a motion by Daye to appoint Evans to the position failed. City Clerk Pam Glover, City Manager Ray Griffin, and City Attorney John Zollicoffer were subsequently re-named to their positions by unanimous votes.