By Jacki Moss

Special to the Tribune

Newly elected Mayor Jim Bingham, and City Council members Odie Whitehead Jr., Trigg Cathey, and Artie Allen, were sworn into office by Judge Lee Bussart Bowles before a standing-room-only crowd Saturday.

Allen replaced Hershel Davis as Ward Two councilman, and Cathey replaced Ronald McRady as Ward Four councilman. Whitehead retained his council seat. The other two council members -- Steve Thomas and Robin Minor -- were not up for election this year and remain on the Council.

City Hall was packed with generations of the officials' families and friends and Lewisburg leadership as the exchange of power ushered in what Mayor Bingham said he hopes will be a future of peace, calm and respect, coupled with hard work and progress for the city he loves.

Mayor Bingham told the audience, "Thank you for coming and for this wonderful day. But now it's time to go to work; we have great things ahead of us." He said, "We have the right location to do anything we set our minds to do, if we pull together and do what's best for Lewisburg."

Bingham, originally from West Tennessee, has lived in Lewisburg for more than three decades, and says that he is fully committed to the city and its citizens. "Well, I have bought my cemetery plot here, if that's any indication," he smiled. "I want everyone, those who supported me, and those who did not, to know that they are represented by the Mayor's office and the City Council, and that we are open and receptive to listening to them. If someone comes to us for help, our motto is something like 'if it's legal, moral and ethical, we want to try to help.'"

Bingham said that he has several priorities in mind for his administration. "We have to show our appreciation to the businesses and industries that are here. We need to help them be successful and prosper. Second, we will seek new businesses and industry to bring here. And, importantly, we will have sound fiscal management." Additionally, Bingham noted that he recognizes and supports the city employees, as well as the people who work behind the scenes to keep Lewisburg strong and moving forward. "Many of the people who do great things for us as a community don't get the recognition they deserve. I want to change that. They do important work for all of us and we will honor their quiet contributions."

Striking a clear note of optimism, Bingham explained, "This is one of the greatest communities in the world. We genuinely care about one another. We need to just share that with our neighbors who are close and far away. I believe in Lewisburg and love Lewisburg and I look forward to good things in our future."