Family and friends filled the board room of City Hall, even extending out into the hallway, as the new city council members were sworn in Monday afternoon.
And after being presented with a gavel and sworn in by Federal Judge Carlton Reeves, David “Mel” Starling began his tenure as Yazoo City’s new mayor.
“We humbly say ‘thank-you,’” Starling said, to the audience. “This is a new day, and I will ensure you that this board will work for the betterment of Yazoo City.”
Aldermen Charlie Jenkins, Macklyn Austin, Jammie McCoy and Elizabeth Thomas also took their seats at the table after being sworn in by Yazoo County Circuit Clerk Robert Coleman.
“I remember Mel when he was a little boy,” said Reeves, a Yazoo City native. “This is our opportunity to get behind these young folk. The old folk in this room are always talking about what the young folk is or is not doing. We know this new group of people are going to need your support. Everybody can’t win. But this is our opportunity to give them the chance to do what they think is best for the next generation. Just like those out there in the crowd…they laid the foundation and the groundwork for the next generation. This is a very important day.”
“Pray with them every day, every night, all the time,” Reeves continued. “And if they stumble, encourage them to get up. I am so very proud of Mel Starling. Yazoo City has chosen to do something different this time. This is new day, and we should celebrate this day. We should be ready to work.”
Former Ward 3 Alderman Sir Johnathan Rucker encouraged the new city board to work together and offered his support to them moving forward.
“If losing a position stops you from working, then you never had it in your heart,” Rucker said. “I hope you all will do a great job for everyone in Yazoo City.”
Former Ward 2 Alderman Andre Lloyd said he enjoyed his time working for the city of Yazoo City, both within City Hall and the Yazoo City Police Department. But he admits he will enjoy retirement.
Former Ward 1 Alderman Ron Johnson said he is appreciative of his eight years on the city board. And he also gave some advice to the new city council members.
“Do your homework,” he said. “Read. It’s very important. And don’t believe the first thing you hear. You will lose some friends along the way because you will have to make some tough decisions.”
Ward 4 Alderwoman Elizabeth Thomas returns to her seat on the city board.
“I look forward to working with each and every one of you,” she said. “I look forward to fulfilling my duties as alderwoman.”
Former Mayor Diane Delaware also wished the new city council well.
“I want to thank the citizens of Yazoo City and all of you for giving me a most monumental eight years to serve the city,” she said. “Often you come into arenas thinking that you know everything. I, of course, did not do that. But what I found out was that there are so many entities in government. Sometimes you are able to get things done, and sometimes you cannot. But you must be bold and never give up.”
