Kernersville officials sworn in; board unanimously accepts election results and names JR Gorham mayor pro tem

The Town of Kernersville Board of Aldermen accepted certified November election results and completed an organizational swearing-in before unanimously choosing JR Gorham as mayor pro tem.

Town staff presented the certified results from the Board of Elections showing Donald Morgan as the winner for mayor and the five successful alderman candidates: JR Gorham, Sarah Jane Sabanas, Bill Apple, Chris Thompson and Randall Picker. A motion to accept the results was made by Mayor Pro Tem Thompson and seconded by Alderman Apple; the board voted unanimously to approve the certification.

After a brief recess, Superior Court Judge Eric Morgan administered the oaths of office to the mayor and aldermen. Judge Morgan noted the ceremony’s constitutional purpose and said, “One of my very favorite duties is the administration of oaths of office,” before leading officials through the required affirmations.

Under the town charter the board then selected a mayor pro tem. Alderman Chris Thompson nominated JR Gorham; Bill Apple seconded. The board voted unanimously to appoint Gorham to the position.

Appointments to standing committees followed. The mayor announced committee assignments including Alderman Bill Apple and Alderman Chris Thompson to the Transportation Advisory Committee/Piedmont Triad Regional Council, David Fitzpatrick and Dennis Robinson to the Fireman’s Relief Fund Board, and Alderman Sarah Sabanas to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Pool Steering Committee.

The meeting concluded with brief remarks from town staff and new board members and an invitation to a reception following the session. With no further business, the board adjourned by unanimous vote.