Bryan takes seat
By Barbara Arntsen
Published in News on February 3, 2004 2:03 PM
The Goldsboro City Council got a new member Monday and said good-bye to a councilman who has served 16 years.
After months of waiting, Jimmy Bryan was sworn in Monday night as the new District 1 City Councilman.
Bryan's wife, Martha; his son, Stewart; and his 4-year-old grandson, Max, were present at the meeting while Chief Judge Joseph E. Setzer administered the oath of office.
Mrs. Bryan held the Bible for her husband as he repeated the oath.
Setzer also read the Certificate of Election, issued last Friday, stating that Bryan was duly elected to represent the citizens of District 1 in Goldsboro.
Before Setzer went up to administer the oath, he slipped on his judge's robe.
Councilman William Goodman took the opportunity to joke, saying "I saw one strip show last night, Judge." Goodman was referring to the half-time show at the Super Bowl, where the top of one of the entertainers was yanked off, exposing a bare body part.
Setzer told him not to worry, because he was "covering up."
Outgoing Councilman J.B. Rhodes was also recognized for his 16 years of service.
Mayor Al King read the resolution expressing the city's appreciation to Rhodes for his service.
"Those years of service have been marked by exemplary dedication to the best interests of the community as he has worked constantly for the betterment of its economic, cultural and aesthetic development," King said.
Rhodes said he just wanted all the work he had done over the past 16 years to speak for him.
"I've no regret for what I've done," he said, "and I've worked with two of the finest men, City Manager Richard Slozak and City Attorney Harrell Everett, along with William Goodman."
Rhodes said he hadn't worked with the other council members as long and had been "trying to break them in."
Goodman said that the "J.B." stood for "just beautiful" and said he would truly miss the councilman.
"I've known you all my life," Goodman said. "I know you've done a lot of great things."
Councilman Charles Williams commended Rhodes for his service.
The other councilmen said their good-byes to Rhodes and thanked him.
Bryan said that he wished Rhodes the best, and thanked him for all he had done for the city.