DURHAM, N.C. — Durham City Council now carries a different look. On Monday, new mayor Leonardo Williams was sworn in.
Two new faces also joined the elected officials for their first meeting, which featured an emotional swearing-in.
A new day for Durham – that’s newly seated Mayor Leonardo Williams’ promise.
“What I will kick off tonight is a new, a renewed expectation of how we’re going to function as a council,” Williams said. “We’re going to be collegial.”
Williams has big plans for Durham, with a regional focus.
“We need to think about building our infrastructure,” Williams said. “We need to think about transportation, transit, mass transit.”
He’s also focused on affordable housing and connecting with young people.
“We have to put W-2s in young people’s hands earlier,” Williams said. “We have to make sure our kids are not bored. We have to have to have robust recreational programs for that. I look forward to bringing those to reality really soon.”
Former mayor Elaine O’Neal and former City Council members Jillian Johnson and Monique Holsey-Hyman said their goodbyes in the packed chambers Monday night.
Two new faces joined City Council in Nate Baker and Carl Rist.
“Many of us ran for different reasons, but we’re sitting up here together, and we have this chance to work together,” Baker said.
“I pledge to devote myself mind, body, and spirit, to the work of leading the city along with the mayor and my city council colleagues,” Rist said.
Council member Javiera Caballero was also reelected to her seat.
“I have been serving the community and serving this city for six years,” Caballero said. “I signed up to do another four years, and I did it because I believe in us.”
The movement in City Council seats isn’t finished yet. Council members will have to appoint a new member to fill now-Mayor Williams’ seat.
