By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Oaths have been taken, certificates of election handed out.

Larry Spears is officially the newly elected Mayor for the City of Orange.

Before taking his seat as Mayor, Spears said he wanted to hand his mother the certificate of election.

Paul Burch was also sworn in as Council Member Place 6 At Large, the seat vacated when Spears announced he was running for mayor. Burch was unopposed in the Special Call election.

Also unopposed was incumbent Patrick Pullen for Council Member Pct. 1.

Pullen was also voted in as Mayor Pro-Tem during the Tuesday meeting.

Spears held the title while serving as Council Member Place 6.

“I want to thank everyone for their votes,” Pullen said. “I look forward to working with the council and mayor for a better city and working on new things.”

Terrie Turner Salter, whose late husband was best friends with Spears also added her congratulations.

“Congratulations to you, Mayor,” Salter said. “Paul, my husband was best friends with Larry and I know he is smiling. Having a man of God makes a difference.”

Salter also reminded residents to be prayful.

“We need you,” Salter said. “We can’t do this without you. We have a good team here and I am excited for Orange.”

Council member Bill Mello added his congratulations to Paul Burch.

“Congratulations Mr. Burch,” Mello said. “You will see it is a lot of fun.”

Spears reminded everyone it was a special day for Orange.

“I want to thank everyone here,” Spears said. “Today is a special day. I have grandparents that could not be here today. Today I am thankful to God for everything.”

Spears added, “ As it says in Matthew 19:26 all things are possible with God.”