Hampton swears in new mayor and council members; officials pledge focus on transparency, downtown growth and water-billing review

Hampton held a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials, where council members and the mayor took oaths and outlined priorities for the coming term.

Councilmember Melissa Brooks, sworn in by Reverend Dr. James L. Bumpus, thanked voters for "over a thousand votes" and pledged to "lead with fairness, integrity, transparency, and respect." Brooks said her platform emphasized trust, transparency, unity, safety and small-business development and told attendees she is "ready to listen and ready to serve." (Speaker: Melissa Brooks)

Brooks' remarks framed her years of local government experience as preparation for the council role; she cited decades of service in inspection, engineering, human resources and municipal clerk positions and said she would focus on collaboration and thoughtful decision-making.

Councilmember Sherry Cheney, sworn in shortly afterward, opened her remarks with faith-based acknowledgements and a personal testimony about health and perseverance, saying she had "walked seven miles" during the campaign and that she viewed public service as a continuation of long-standing community commitment. Cheney called for "credible leadership, discipline, execution, and honoring the responsibility that comes with influence." (Speaker: Sherry Cheney)

Returning councilmember Errol Mitchell, sworn in by Superior Court Judge Jewel Scott, described his top priorities as removing the city's base water charge, pursuing downtown development, and addressing tax issues. Mitchell said he intends to be accessible to residents and to seek common ground with colleagues as the council examines municipal policy and utilities charges. (Speaker: Errol Mitchell)

The mayor, sworn in by a pastor from Zion Baptist Church, reiterated a vision of "growth and opportunity," emphasized public safety and sustainability, and urged collaboration with county and sister-city partners. The mayor said Hampton must remain "rooted in community" while expanding job opportunities, commercial development, parks and arts programming.

The ceremony closed with a benediction and logistical instructions for a post-ceremony reception at the train depot. Officials directed elected members and guests to proceed to the reception area and thanked attendees for coming.

What happens next: council members detailed policy interests during their remarks; none of those items were presented as formal motions at the ceremony. Follow-up meetings and agenda items will be required for any proposed changes to water billing, downtown development plans or tax policy.