Photos from Suzie Baker’s Facebook page.

The Town of Pink Hill confirmed its leadership changes with the swearing in of Mike Horne as mayor and Michael Whitfield as commissioner. Both were sworn in by former Superior Court Clerk Dawn Stroud at Tuesday night’s meeting in Pink Hill.

“I would just like to thank Pink Hill for getting out to vote,” said Horne. “I appreciate the faith they have in our new administration to bring back transparency and common sense government back to our citizens. I look forward to moving our little community forward.”

Hill replaces former Mayor Yvonne Deatherage who was appointed after Mike Hill resigned. Mike Hill was appointed after the death of long time Mayor Carol Sykes. Whitfield had an extremely close race for former Commissioner James Quinn’s seat against candidate Joshua Eing with Whitfield receiving two more votes than Eing.

Immediately following the swearing in, Horne recognized George Jenkins for his many years of service to Pink Hill as the town lawyer.

“It’s kind of ironic,” said Horne. “I was commissioner back in 98 when we hired George as our attorney. Now I’m coming on as mayor and he’s retiring.”

With the leadership changes the governing body of Pink Hill stands with Mike Horne as the mayor, Penny Murphy, Pete Fantini, and Michael Whitfield as the town’s commissioners.