by John Wagner, RadioJones, LLC

Monday the City of Swainsboro swore in a new Mayor and administration.  It was celebrated like a changing of the guard… city hall was packed to the gill, parking downtown was full, each member of the new administration was celebrated with applause and cheers as they were sworn in. 

First County Probate and Magistrate Judge Chase Sherrod swore in new members of the city council… District 2 representative Brad McKenzie and District 4’s Tjuna Culbreth, also taking his pledge was District 6’s Greg Quarterman who returns for a second 4 year term. Then Mayor Lillie Ann Brown took her oath.  Ms. Brown was not only the first female mayor for the city, but also the first black to be elected to the position.

The celebration continued with a reception at the Swainsboro Administration building at 211 North Main with chance for the public to meet the mayor and council members. Early during the meeting Greg Quarterman secured an honored position within the new group when he was elected Mayor Pro Tem.  Not present were former long-serving council members Johnny Ray Stafford and Bobbie Collins who did not running for reelection. This leaves Quarterman and Julian Sconyers as the only council members with more than 4 years tenure.