McKenzie’s new mayor, Ryan Griffin who won in the Nov. 8 election took the oath of office Nov. 30 at City Hall’s council room while his wife, Lisa, held the Bible that had special meaning. It had belonged to his grandfather Frank Webb of Bradford. He also wore the tie that had been Ken Mitchum’s, Lisa’s grandfather of McKenzie. He carried a handkerchief that had been LJ Griffin’s of Bradford. He said this was in honor of these deceased relatives.
Carroll County General Sessions Judge Michael King administered the oath of office to Griffin and the four council members.
Incumbent council members Josefina Batton and Bobby Young were joined by newcomers Tom Alexander and Carol j. Armpriest for the swearing in. They will join Jessie Townes and Charles Pruneau on the council.
Griffin is the first new mayor in 12 years.
He says he is looking forward to serving with the council and making each day better than the day before.
“Let’s unite for McKenzie and make it a better place to live,” he said before the large gathering. “I’m excited and humbled and I am for building up whatever makes ihe town better.”
He said he wanted to look at projects that need finishing and also check on growth areas.
Among his top priorities are parks and recreation and community safety. He wants McKenzie to be known as a place to bring jobs and build infrastructure.
He thanked former Mayor Jill Holland for her leadership as “we continue to build on the legacy she has left.”
“I am looking forward to working with the citizens,” he said. “I just want to serve.”
