Council appoints Miller mayor pro-tem

In front of a standing room only crowd, newly elected Tryon Mayor Jim Wright and commissioners Bill Ingham and Happy McLeod were sworn into office on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Former Mayor Alan Peoples and commissioners Doug Arbogast and Wim Woody stepped down after taking care of old business. The new board appointed commissioner Roy Miller as mayor pro-tem, a title he has retained the past couple of years.

Wright thanked residents for coming, saying this was one of the largest crowds he has seen attend a meeting by far.

“We want you to be involved in the government of your town and this is a good start,” said Wright. “Alan (Peoples) will be a hard person to follow. He was a very dedicated leader to Tryon.”

Wright said Peoples, Arbogast and Woody’s combined 20 years of service have left Tryon in a better place and the town appreciates that. He also congratulated Ingham and McLeod for joining, saying he looked forward to working with them, as well as thanking Bill Crowell and Billy Moss for running for council.

Wright thanked his wife, Kathy Wright, those who encouraged him to run for office, Anne Day, who ran for mayor but dropped out of the race, and town employees, “who work every day to make our town run smoothly,” with many of them putting their lives on the line every day.

“We should stop and thank them every time we get the chance,” said Wright.

Ingham thanked residents for coming to the meeting and allowing him the opportunity to serve. He also thanked Woody, Arbogast and Peoples for their service to Tryon.

McLeod thanked the 213 people who voted for her for council, saying she will not disappoint them.

“I love this town,” said McLeod. “I think elected officials are public servants. Thank you and Merry Christmas.”

Miller welcomed new members aboard, saying they may not have gray hair yet, but they will get it.

“It is a challenge,” Miller told new members. “I think we have dedicated individuals and look forward to serving with each of you.”

Miller also recognized former commissioners who attended the meeting, including Dennis Durham, Austin Chapman and Warren Carson, and thanked them for serving and continuing to be involved in the town.