Holly Springs stands on threshold of opportunity

Holly Springs showed its true colors at the swearing in ceremony for the new mayor and board of aldermen Monday, June 30.

Hallmarks of the program were prayer, unity, and dedication to responsive government.

The Honorable Judge Kent Smith presided over the swearing in, first by swearing in the new board of aldermen and then Mayor Charles Terry.

“Today we stand on the threshold of opportunity and vision,” said Fergenia Hood in her words of welcome. “We not only celebrate the swearing in of the leaders but also the hope of a community to move forward together, to lead with integrity and carry the torch of Holly Springs.

“Let us pledge to support and commit to the unity of our city. May you be reminded of the trust in you by the citizens of Holly Springs. We welcome you to this blessed day.”

The ceremony began with invocations to God, prayer for community and concluded with a prayerful benediction.

Smith congratulated the new board and mayor.

“Congratulations are in order for your family and constituents here,” he said.

“As public servants, it is about the well being of the City of Holly Springs and working with them to try to better the city.”

After taking their oaths, first the aldermen presented their hope and commitments and then the mayor spoke.

Alderman-At-Large Dexter Shipp thanked the citizens who supported him at the polls and electing him to another term.

“A new day is coming, and this team will be stronger and wiser,” he said.

Ward 1 alderman Sandra Hodges said she is ready to lead and to help serve.

“I am ready for a better future for us all,” she said. “I am ready to work with everyone in peace and joy.”

Ward 2 alderman Andre Jones thanked his constituents in Ward 2 “for giving me the opportunity to serve as aldermen.”

“This work is hard work,” he said. “We envision working together, a call to action to the citizens of Holly Springs to hold us accountable. Give us calls. It takes a village to move this city

“My call is for the citizens to get involved. I challenge you to hold us accountable. The mayor and board is efficient when we work together to be accountable. Hold us accountable.”

First time alderman Jim Moore of Ward 3 thanked all who came out and helped him campaign.

“My door is always open,” he said. “We are all here together to make the city a better place. We’ve got some big challenges ahead of us.”

Ward 4 alderman Patricia Merriweather expressed joy.

“I’m proud to be alderman of the best ward in the city,” she said. “We are so happy to be here and express our thanks for another opportunity to serve. We are here to serve you, the Holly Springs we grew up in.”

She said her faith was gotten right here in Holly Springs, Mississippi, the great city who treasures its children and adults to have a great, safe place to live.

“Our doors are open and for the next four years, the doors will be open wider,” she said. “Call us. Keep us accountable the next four years to make Holly Springs a great place to live.

Mayor elect Charles Terry expressed his appreciation to family, friends, citizens and to Judge Smith for participating in the ceremony.

“I was asked if I was excited,” he said. “I felt the excitement of the community and found myself to be curious, concerned and challenged.”

He cited the challenges at the Holly Springs Utility Department and challenges with public safety and for industry and community development.

“I met with TVA, TVPPA, and senators and the conversation was on starting to build a relationship,” Terry said.

He said he has looked at the reports Tennessee Valley Authority and the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association have produced.

He was involved as a supervisor with economic growth in the county.

As mayor, he said he wants to try to increase the pay scale of police officers so they stay with the city.

“I thank each one of you for your vote and prayer. And for those who didn’t vote for me, I’m your mayor,” Terry said. “We are going to face many challenges.

“The City of Holly Springs rides on our back and your back. We want to work together to make this city work for us.”

Courtroom B was packed for the swearing in ceremony with family and friends of the elected officials, with members of the board of supervisors, state representatives, the education community, faith community, law enforcement.

The prevailing sentiment of the new board and mayor was one of hope and commitment to creating a purposeful, unified community, and to offer accountability for its actions to its citizens.

Following the program, a Mayor’s reception was held at Southern Eatery.