DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — It’s a changing of the guard in the River City.
On Monday, Decatur Mayor Kent Lawrence took the oath of office, and new city council members were sworn in.
The Pavilion at Ingalls Harbor was overflowing with family, friends, and supporters as a new chapter began.
While there is a lot of excitement about the three new faces for the city council, Lawrence made it clear that it’s time for him and the new team to get to work.
“I feel good about the group that we have working for us, really good, and they are excited,” said Lawrence. “We’re going to try to make a difference in Decatur. Not only try, but we are also going to make a difference in Decatur.”
The new council members join at a time when the citizens and the council are divided since the police shooting of Steve Perkins in 2023.
Each member said that they have already begun working to bring the city back together through their respective districts while setting the goals of helping the city to prosper.
“I started out working with the community and making sure the community was secure so if I was to step away from the community, I think I would go back on my word and my ethics and everything that I stand for,” Terrance Adkins, city council member for District 1.
Adkins takes over for Billy Jackson, who served 29 years as the head of District 1.
“It’s about getting together and it’s about me getting out into the district and talking to the people,” said and now, we just got to get it done. I’m ready to get to business for the city and get things done,” declared Pam Werstler of District 4.
Barry Bullard takes over District 5 after winning in the primary election in August. Bullard replaces Jacob Ladner, who decided not to run for reelection to the city council.
“We need to finish the projects that the former council started,” said Bullard. “I look forward to working with the other guys to see if we can grow this city.”
At a brief council meeting held after the swearing-in, Council Member Kyle Pike of District 2 was voted city council.
District 3 councilman Carlton McMasters was named Mayor Pro Tempore
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