Dec 8

Dec 8 Historic city council swearing in ceremony

The city of Kinston held a historic City Council meeting where the results of the 2021 Municipal election led to the swearing-in of the youngest city council member in North Carolina. Council members Robert Swinson IV and Chris Suggs were sworn in as well as Mayor Dontario Hardy.

The Mayor provided recognition of service for Council Member Krystal Suggs and presented her with a symbol of appreciation for her service to the city of Kinston.

“I feel like with your next city council member, you are in good hands,” said former Council Member Suggs. “I really do believe that.”

Council member Robert Swinson was sworn in by the Honorable Michael R. Morgan.

Swinson kept his seat on the council for another four years and was sworn in by the Honorable Michael R. Morgan, Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

“First and foremost, I want to say thank you to all the residents who have continued to support me through my term of being on city council,” said Swinson. “It’s truly not taken for granted your vote and your confidence that you have placed in me again for another four years. I look forward to the next four years being the best four years.”

Council Member Chris Suggs was sworn in by the Honorable Anita Earls, Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

“Thank you for choosing me,” said Suggs. “When I decided to run for office, I had no clue what the outcome would be. On November 2nd, the voters of Kinston showed overwhelmingly that they were excited about me. That they had an idea about where the future of our city could go, where the future of our community could go. And what type of meaningful change we wanted to happen in this city and they chose me. I’m truly grateful for that. I’m grateful for the ability to work with our citizens.”

Mayor Dontario Hardy was sworn in by the Honorable Michael R. Morgan.

Mayor Hardy was sworn in by the Honorable Michael R. Morgan, Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

“I want to be a representation of the entire city, I represent everyone,” said Hardy. “I want everyone to have the opportunity to experience the great things we have going on.”

In addition to the swearing in of council members and mayor, Mayor Hardy also selected Council Member Antonio Hardy as his Mayor Pro Tem.

“I just want to say, Mister Mayor, that I appreciate you choosing me as Mayor Pro Tem,” said Mayor Pro Tem Hardy.