Parting members gave final words of wisdom and newcomers shared their ambitions Monday during the first meeting of Durham's new city council. Retired district court judge Carolyn Johnson swore in the council's 2001 elects, including new Mayor Bill Bell.
"I knew Bill when somebody could spank your child and not get reported to the child's social services," Johnson said, one of many to bring humor to the night's transition.
Among his departing words, former council member Dan Hill said he was "bruised with hubris" and reminded the new members that each individual's input will carry more weight, since the council has decreased from 13 to seven members. "Virtually your vote will be twice as important," he said.
Joining Hill in his departure were former mayor Nick Tennyson as well as council members Pamela Blyth, Brenda Burnette, Mary Jacobs, Angela Langley, Erick Larson, Floyd McKissick, and Jacqueline Wagstaff.
"We were very successful and fortunate to have the services of Nick Tennyson as mayor," Bell said.
Although most of the former members expressed appreciation for the extra time they will have now that they are off the council, they also said they will not vanish from politics and activism.
"I offer any support I can to his transition," said Mary Jacobs, who announced her decision over the summer not to run for the council. "Unlike Santa Claus, I do not go off to the North Pole."
Langley, who lost her seat in the at-large race, had a unique approach to remaining active. "I'm writing a children's book to show kids nothing is impossible and you can have unlimited success," Langley said, comparing this lesson to what she considers her "triple jeopardy"--being black, female and disabled. She also said she would like to host her own talk show. "Move over, Oprah, because here comes Angela."
Members of the new council took a more political tone in their opening remarks. "While Nov. 6 was a great day for each of us, I just have to say it was a great day for Durham," said Howard Clement, who was first elected to the council in 1983.
He explained that he was most satisfied by the fact that voters passed all the bond issues, especially the two involving children and senior citizens.
Other incumbents returning to the council are Tamra Edwards, Thomas Stith and Lewis Cheek, who was named mayor pro tempore. John Best and Cora Cole-McFadden will join them.
"I'll listen to both sides and make informed decisions," Best promised.
Although the new members did not engage in debate during the meeting, they did vote to move a water conservation measure into stage two, the voluntary conservation stage. After three years of extremely dry conditions, the council hopes it will not have to impose water constraints on people and businesses.
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