Cary council swears in three new members, appoints Lori Bush mayor pro tem

The Cary Town Council on Dec. 4 swore in three newly elected council members — Carissa Con Johnson, Bella Huang and Britney Richards — and unanimously approved a slate of organizational items, including appointing Council Member Lori Bush as mayor pro tem.

The swearing-in ceremony began when Lori Bush administered the oath to Carissa Con Johnson, who affirmed she would uphold the constitutions of the United States and North Carolina and ‘‘faithfully discharge the duties of the office as town council member of the town of Cary.’’ Bush later administered the oath to Bella Huang and North Carolina Representative Maria Cervania administered the oath to Britney Richards.

Why it matters: The new members take their seats as the council sets committee assignments and its calendar for next year. Huang emphasized the representation her election brings: ‘‘I’m deeply, deeply honored to stand here today and to have the opportunity to serve our town,’’ she said, thanking family, volunteers and community mentors. Carissa Con Johnson said she ran to ‘‘give back’’ and invited residents to hold her accountable.

Council business: Early in the meeting the council moved to adopt the meeting agenda; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Later the council unanimously adopted its 2026 meeting schedule; meeting materials were announced as available online but the schedule was not read in full into the record. Carissa Con Johnson moved that the mayor appoint Lori Bush as mayor pro tem; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

Appointments: The mayor read a list of committee and board assignments, naming council liaisons for bodies including the Economic Development Committee, the Environmental Advisory Board, Planning and Zoning, the Go Triangle Authority Board of Trustees, Sister Cities and Friends of the Page-Walker. The mayor said the full list of appointments is available online.

Remarks and tone: Speakers repeatedly thanked town staff, volunteers and nonprofit partners. Representative Maria Cervania praised Richards during the oath, saying she exemplified ‘‘public service and community leadership.’’ There were rounds of applause after each oath and no recorded opposition to the motions taken.

Next steps: With organizational items completed and no further business, the mayor declared the meeting adjourned. The council did not take other legislative actions at this session.