Local Governing Bodies Swear in and Welcome Elected Members

Local governing bodies have taken recent meetings to swear in and welcome new and returning elected members.

The Orange County Board of Commissioners re-elected Mark Dorosin as chair at their meeting last Monday.

“Thank you all, I really appreciate that vote of confidence. I will continue to do my best and appreciate your guidance and feedback on how to do that,” said Dorosin.

Vice Chair Penny Rich was also re-elected and said she hopes to continue to be a good partner to Dorosin.

The Chapel Hill Town Council swore in four new members as well as re-elected Mayor Pam Hemminger at the council meeting on Wednesday.

New council members are Allen Buansi, Hongbin Gu, Rachel Schaevitz and Karen Stegman.

Hemminger said she is excited to work with the new council and sees a bright future ahead for Chapel Hill in innovation, social justice, business and environmental progress.

“Chapel Hill is extremely fortunate to have so many dedicated and qualified individuals who care so much about our community and it’s an honor to welcome Allen and Hongbin and Rachel and Karen to join us up here as we begin this next phase. And I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the family and friends out there who support us while we serve in these capacities,” said Hemminger. “We’re also very grateful to our dedicated staff. They help us in this endeavor with their hard work, their support. They worked tirelessly, many, many hours. They do a lot for us and please know that it is appreciated.”

Jessica Anderson, who was elected to the council in 2015, was elected as mayor pro tem.

At Tuesday’s Carrboro Board of Alderman meeting, re-elected Mayor Lydia Lavelle was sworn in, as well as newly elected alderman Barbara Foushee and re-elected alderman, Jacquelyn Gist, Sammy Slade and Randee Haven-O’Donnell.

Foushee thanked her husband, friends and family, as well as the Carrboro community.

“I am very humbled and honored to be able to serve my community… our community should I say. I am also looking forward to working with my fellow board members as we continue to move toward more sustainable solutions for the greater good of the entire community,” said Foushee.

Carrboro alderman Damon Seils was elected as mayor pro tem. Seils had been serving in the role since Michelle Johnson resigned her seat on the board earlier this year.

Newly elected mayors will hold their seats for two years, while board and council members will hold their seats for four. Hillsborough Board of Commissioners will hold their swearing in meeting tonight.