City Council members take oath

Jesef Williams
jwilliams@thelancasternews.com
Lancaster City Hall was so crowded Thursday night, Jan. 3, that more chairs had to be brought in to council chambers to accommodate the influx of guests.
There, three council members took the oath of office as they begin their four-year terms following successful campaigns in November’s general election.
The three are returning Councilwomen Sara Eddins and Tamara Green Garris, and newcomer Jackie Harris.
Lancaster County Magistrate Fred Thomas administered the oath for each councilwoman.
Harris, 46, who was sworn in first, succeeds Linda Blackmon-Brace as the city’s District 3 representative. She lists support for the police department, job creation and attention to literacy as her top priorities.
“I’m looking forward to working with council and doing what is best for the city of Lancaster,” Harris said after the swearing-in ceremony. “It is a new day.”
Garris, who was second to be sworn in Thursday, is beginning her second term on City Council as the District 4 representative.
Garris, 38, vows to continue working with Lancaster Alternative Policing Strategy (LAPS), an outreach group she founded a few years ago. She also intends to further champion funding for road improvements.
“I am humbled and excited to work another four years and serve the community,” Garris  said.
Eddins, 74, the city’s District 6 representative, said “it’s wonderful” to be re-elected to a second term.
Like Garris, she points to roads as a chief priority. She also would like to see bicycle lanes and paths created throughout the city, as well as improvements to parks and the creation of more recreational opportunities.
“I hope we can go into this term with some vision for the future,” she said.
After the oaths were administered, a reception followed in the City Hall lobby, where guests were treated to finger foods, soft drinks and other refreshments.
“We are celebrating,” City Administrator Helen Sowell said. “We are looking forward to four wonderful years.”

Aaron Morrison

Lancaster County Magistrate Fred Thomas, right, administers the oath of office to City Councilwoman Jackie Harris on Thursday, Jan. 3, as her husband, Johnnie Harris, and her son, Avery Harris, take part in the swearing-in ceremony.

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Contact reporter Jesef Williams  at (803) 283-1152