Newly elected council members take oath
With an army of immediate family standing behind each–four newly elected city officials were sworn in during an investiture ceremony held Monday, June 27 at Berglund Performing Arts Theatre.
Among those was Mayor Elect Sherman P. Lea, Sr. sworn in by Judge David Carson.
Lea garnered a massive 82% of the May election vote that seated him as the second African-American elected mayor in Roanoke’s history.
The occasion was particularly auspicious for the new mayor who had many friends and relatives who travelled from far and near–including those from his hometown of Danville.
Early in his remarks Lea recognized outgoing mayor David Bowers who proudly waved from his seat in the audience.
Among those recognized as “sources of inspiration” was Willard Bailey, Lea’s former coach at Virginia Union.
“Among the many things Coach Bailey taught me was the value of giving back to the community and he always encouraged us to read and because of his guidance I became a dean’s list student.”
Lea mentioned Bailey as one of the winningest Black college football coaches in the country during the ‘70’s and 80’s.
Expounding on his approach as he takes office, Mayor Lea briefly spoke about the importance of “having a want to do attitude,” in confronting some of the city’s major issues.
He applauded the city’s progress but said “we’ve got some issues to deal with.”
Before closing he homed in on the faith community and charged all ministers to get involved.
“We (ministers) can make a difference in this community and I’ll be calling on you because you will be calling on me,” urged the new mayor who led his entourage of family supporters as they exited the stage.
Councilwoman Anita Price with her usual charm, graciously thanked her many supporters who were instrumental in securing her seat as vice mayor.
First elected in 2008, Price made history as the first African-American woman elected to Roanoke City Council. Her two terms in that seat has equipped her as no stranger to the affairs of local city government.
The Arlington, VA native has an immense background in education administration and has brought an unusual combination of traits to council including a deep compassion for all people that is most evident.
“We must remember that each and every one of us is responsible for the other. We who sit on this council are not just politicians but public servants,” said Price in a tone that was warm and comforting.
Judge William Broadhurst referred to Price as the “nicest person in the world,” before administering the Oath of Office.
Real estate agent Michelle Dykstra, a newcomer to the political scene delivered her prepared remarks that centered around being one of the youngest to sit on city council.
She held her young daughter throughout a brief speech through which she thanked her campaign team and others who encouraged her to run.
“I’m so grateful to be standing hear today ready to take on the challenge that lays before me…I have so much to learn but though the learning curve may be steep it is not impossible,” she said.
During his prepared remarks as the other newly elected councilman, local businessman John Garland praised various phases of local government for the “considerable state of growth and development the city has experienced.”
“But make no mistake we face many challenges as a city,” he said quickly shifting to a list of areas in need of attention as: southeast and northwest neighborhood revitalization, homelessness, housing rehabilitation, mass transit system improvements, crime prevention and others.
In closing he expressed his “love and passion for Roanoke and said he looked forward to joining local officials in finding “collaborative solutions to the pressing issues faced by our city.”
Guest speaker was Judge Clifford R. Weckstein (retired) who delivered an incredibly inspiring address that most appropriately elevated the event.
His wise and well-crafted comments perfectly framed the historic occasion–steeped in a reverence and diversity that signalizes a potential new path for the Star City.
