The Honorable Michael Morgan, Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court (left), swears in Kinston City Council members Sammy Aiken, Felicia Solomon and Antonio Hardy on Monday evening. Bud Hardy photo/Neuse News

Antonio "Pearl" Hardy vowed during his military days that he'd eventually get involved in government.

It happened Monday evening when he replaced out-going member Joseph Tyson on the Kinston City Council.

"It's a long time coming," Hardy said. "I thank everybody for their support."

The Honorable Michael Morgan, Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, swore in Hardy along with Felicia "Nikki" Solomon and Sammy Aiken.

Solomon will serve as Mayor Pro-Tem, who is the councilmember that presides over meetings in the absence of the mayor.

"Thank you for giving me an opportunity coming in initially in 2015 as a novice, one who came in with the heart of a servant, not looking to wear a political title, but to serve," Solomon said. "Needless to say in the last four years I have learned a great deal and still in the process of learning."

Solomon said her hope and desire is that the citizens, who she described as the most essential part of the community, will continue to use their voice to help shape and mold the direction that Kinston takes into the future.

Aiken echoed Solomon's sentiments.

However, he was alarmed to see the small percentage of voter turnout in early November. He said that votes and bodies count, and the way money is allocated depends on the census report, which is coming up in 2020.

"People say Kinston is in a survival mode, but I look at us being in a striving mode for 2020," Aiken said. "In my mind, 2020 is going to be plenty for Kinston, so let's make it happen."