Tuesday, December 04, 2018

Newport swearing-in
Members of the new Newport Board of Mayor and Aldermen, as well as the Newport School Board were sworn in on Monday. City Manager James Finchum said he feels good about the makeup of the new city leadership. "It's always an exciting time for the city when we make a transition. We never know what kind of factors will come into play when you bring new people on board, but it' always a good thing to get new people because that brings new ideas and a new dynamic. They always bring new ideas to the table, and I think we have some really good additions to the board this time." The new mayor, Roland "Trey" Dykes, III, is following in the footsteps of his father, Roland Dykes, Jr, who served in the mayor's office in the early 2000's till his death in a car crash in May, 2005. Prior to the swearing-in by Newport Municipal Judge Vida Bell, Dykes said he is excited about the possibilities for the city. "I'm really proud to have come through those doors and saw the picture of my father on the wall, knowing I'll have one be up there too before long. I'm anxious to get started and ready to go." And the new mayor said he is feeling very optimistic about the future for Newport. After taking the oath, the new mayor told the audience he is looking forward to the most transparent administration that Newport has ever seen. "We want to make sure my door will always be open to any citizen that comes and we will try to do what's best for the potential of Newport, Tennessee. Thank You." Louanna Ottinger is the only new member on the five-member city council. She joins Mike Proffitt, Mike Hansel, Bobby Knight and Steve Smith who were re-elected to the body. Ottinger was asked about her ideas for moving the city forward. "I am really excited to be a part of this group. It's a great team to lead the city, which is going in a fantastic direction. It is a great community, filled with lots of potential, and I'm glad to be a part of the new leadership going forward," she said. Also sworn in were re-elected members of the Newport School Board; Jan Brooks Sneed, David Perryman and Micky Powers. Outgoing Mayor Connie Ball told the audience his tenure was a good one. "The good thing about it is that you are in good hands. You have a good mayor and a great council." And Ball applauded the community saying " we have a great community here. You could look the world over and not find better people than we have here in Newport and Cocke County. Everyone shows love and compassion when someone is in need." And Ball said he will be praying for the community and will be available if anybody needs anything or he can answer questions.


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