Friday’s swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of a change in command for Brookhaven city government.

     Taking the oath of office were incoming Mayor Joe C. Cox and new Police Chief Bobby Bell, along with returning City Clerk Michael Jinks and Alderman at Large Karen Sullivan.

     Also sworn into office were new Aldermen Randy Belcher of Ward One and Fletcher Grice of Ward Five and returning Aldermen Terry Bates of Ward Two, Mary Wilson of Ward Three, Shirley Estes of Ward Four and David Phillips of Ward Six.

     Although the city officials took their oath of office Friday, the beginning of their terms will begin Monday, July 1.

     As the city looks ahead to the next four years with a new mayor, chief of police, two new aldermen and six returning board of aldermen members, it also is a good time to look back on the past four years and the progress that has been made in the Homeseekers Paradise.

     We thank retiring Mayor Les Bumgarner and Chief of Police Pap Henderson for their many years of public service. Both are to be commended for their dedication to this community and their hard work.

     We also appreciate the contributions made by outgoing aldermen Dorsey Cameron of Ward One and D.W. Maxwell of Ward Five.

        We commend all of the city officials, current and future, for offering themselves for public service. It is a decision that should not be taken lightly, and we believe all of those who chose to seek office in our city care deeply about our community and its citizens.

     We wish our new and returning leaders well as they embark on the next four years. We urge them to keep the lines of communication open with their constituents, and we also encourage Brookhaven residents to take an active interest in our city’s government.

        The first board of aldermen meeting for the new administration will be Tuesday, July 2, at 6:30 p.m. in the government complex. Feel free to stop in and see your government in action.