Cherryville Welcomes a Slight Transition of Power.

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) – The City of Cherryville welcomed a new member of the city council and said goodbye to its veteran council member Malcolm Parker. Janice Hovis replaced Parker after 12 years of his service to the City. 

Members of the city council and the mayor took their oaths of office in a city council meeting held on Monday, December 11, 2023. During this meeting, the Mayor, H.L. Beam also recognized Parker for his dedication to the City. 

“This guy has worked with us for 12 years and has been very instrumental to what we have done as a city for the last 10 years.” said Mayor Beam before handing Parker a plaque of recognition. 

Parker expressed his gratitude to the City and his colleagues on the city council before leaving the meeting.

Following Parker’s departure, Mayor Beam invited Janice Hovis and her family to the front of the room so she could be sworn in. Additionally, Craig Collins, a district court judge for Gaston County, joined the Hovis family to initiate the swearing in ceremony. 

“As a judge, it is a great honor that people ask us to come out and do [inductions]. I think the oath of office is the true symbol for our political spirit of this nation,” said Judge Collins. 

Additionally, the judge spoke highly of Ron Hovis, Janice Hovis’ deceased husband. Judge Collins and Ron Hovis served on the Gaston College Board of Trustees together. 

“He would be so proud of his wife right now. And wondering what she’s thinking,” said Judge Collins as laughter came from the audience. 

Janice Hovis said the oath with her hand on the Bible, which her granddaughter held. After being sworn in, she took her spot on the city council dais. Upon sitting among her fellow council people Janice Hovis said a short speech, addressing the citizens of Cherryville.

“I am honored and extremely humbled that the voters of our city showed confidence and trust in me as they elected me to serve on this city council,” said Janice Hovis.

She also addressed her new colleagues, expressing excitement to work alongside them. Janice Hovis also alluded to past conflicts in her speech, by calling for citizens and politicians alike to behave kindly towards each other. 

“We’re not going to agree on everything,” she said, “We have had a couple of issues over the past couple of years that have divided the town, Even though we disagree, we must strive to communicate with each other and the citizens of Cherryville in a respectful manner.”

One of the biggest conflicts the City has faced in recent years is the ongoing situation regarding the Cherryville Historical Museum. Discussions surrounding the museum devolved to yelling at previous city council meetings, prompting the new council member to advocate for respect.

Although Janice Hovis is the only candidate who replaced a former council member in the most recent election, Mayor Beam and Council Person Jon Abernethy had to be sworn in as well. The mayor and council member ran unopposed in the 2023 municipal election.

The two newly inducted council members will serve a four-year term while the mayor will serve a two-year term.

In bidding farewell to council member Parker and welcoming Janice Hovis, Cherryville undergoes a slight transition of power. As she emphasizes unity and respectful dialogue, the city looks toward the future, poised to address challenges and build a stronger community.

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