Incumbent commissioners re-sworn in
By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
FORT PIERCE -- In a packed Fort Pierce City Commission chamber, incumbent commissioners Edward Becht and Reginald Sessions were re-sworn in, while Linda Hudson was sworn in as the new mayor of Fort Pierce.
"Please step forward, Linda," said Mayor Pro Tem Thomas Perona. "This is it, finally."
After Ms. Hudson stated the vow of office, she received a standing ovation from everyone in the room. Smiling, she thanked everyone as she took her place in the mayor's seat on the dais.
"I look forward to working with you four gentlemen," Mayor Hudson said. "
Her first duty as mayor was presenting former Mayor Bob Benton with a resolution showing the city's appreciation for his 17 years of service.
Commissioners Becht and Sessions both retained their seat on the commission, and were sworn in before Ms. Hudson.
"I want to thank each and every one of my constituents, and my family and friends," Commissioner Sessions said. "This election gave me the opportunity to hear the concerns of the residents of this city and the people have very high expectations of us. I'm going to continue to do all I can while I can."
Commissioner Rufus Alexander noted the current wording in the city charter refers to the mayor's position only in the masculine gender, and wanted to work toward having that changed.
"We now have a mayor who is a female and the charter should reflect that," he said.
"I want to welcome Mayor Hudson," Commissioner Becht said. "Let's get to work."
Commissioner Perona also offered his congratulations.
"I appreciate the job you have in front of you," he said. "Anything I can do to help you, I'll be there to help and support you."
"Madame Mayor, I welcome you," Commissioner Sessions said. "I look forward to working with you."