Shonya Mapp is the newest member of Milledgeville City Council. She was officially sworn in to office as the District 5 member during a special ceremony before Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
Mapp defeated Oscar Davis Jr. in the runoff held earlier this month.
Baldwin County Probate Judge and Elections Superintendent Todd A. Blackwell administered the oath of office to Mapp, who was surrounded by her parents, along with her church pastor and others.
Along with becoming the newest member of city council, Mapp also made history. Her election to the District 5 seat now gives women the majority of rule on city council.
Now that Mapp is in office, the city council has four women and two men.
Aside from Mapp, other members of the city’s elected governing body include Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan; City Alderwoman Dr. Collinda Lee; City Alderwoman Jeanette Walden; City Alderwoman Denese Shinholster; City Alderman and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Chambers; and City Alderman Walter Reynolds.
“I appreciate you letting me do your swearing in, number one,” Blackwell told Mapp. “Number two, I’m here with mixed emotions for what we lost, but I couldn’t be happier for what we have. I’m happy as I can be for you and your family, and I’m sure you’ll do a fine job for the citizens of Milledgeville.”
The judge made reference to the death earlier this year of Richard “Boo” Mullins Jr., who served as the District 5 representative on Milledgeville City Council for more than 20 years.
After being sworn in, Mapp spoke to the audience gathered in the city council chambers at City Hall.
“It gives me great pleasure to stand before you,” Mapp said. “I just want to say thank you to the Baldwin County community, to my family, to my friends and to my relatives.”
She said without the support she received during the runoff campaign the reality of her standing there would not have been possible.
“The job that I am about to take is a very big one,” Mapp said. “I’ve got some big shoes to fill, so with everyone’s support and standing behind me, I know that I can do the job. I want everyone to know that I am approachable. I’m here and I’m ready to work for this community.”
Mapp said she wanted to pay special recognition to her church family because without them pushing her to seek public office, none of it would have been possible.
Afterwards, Mapp received a standing ovation from the audience.
Mayor Parham-Copelan also welcomed the new city council member.
“And just like that Ms. Mapp, please come take your seat,” Parham-Copelan said.
“It gives me great pleasure to tell people when I go out of town to tell people that I have a very diverse group of council people, three men and three women, three Blacks and three whites,” Parham-Copelan said. “But tonight, the women rule.”
