Kareem S. Moore sworn in as Kinston mayor; council welcomes new members and names interim manager

City Clerk Debra Thompson read the certified municipal election results and then administered oaths of office to Mayor-elect Kareem S. Moore and newly elected council members. Moore, sworn in during the organizational portion of the Jan. 6 meeting, opened his first remarks as mayor by promising to be “the voice for the people” and urging the public to hold the council accountable: "Today is the day that we return the chamber back to the people. Today is the day that you'll have your concerns heard and you have your issues addressed."

Departing members and staff were recognized. City Manager Rhonda Barwick, speaking in her final council meeting before retirement, thanked department heads and staff for decades of service. Council Member Chris Suggs delivered farewell remarks reflecting on stewardship and his years of service. Mayor Don Hardy reviewed accomplishments from his two terms, citing infrastructure investments, flood mitigation, downtown revitalization and grant-funded projects.

On succession, City Attorney James Cauley described the process for appointing an interim city manager following Barwick's retirement and introduced Mr. Harrell, who is expected to begin serving Monday as an interim placeholder while the city conducts a larger search. Cauley characterized the evening's combined organizational and regular meeting as "not the typical organizational process" and acknowledged irregularities in how some items and the organizational meeting were combined. Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon said there was strong consensus for Mr. Harrell's interim appointment, noting his advisory experience with other municipalities.

Newly sworn Council Members Sammy Aiken, Barbara Seaforth and Les Lipford offered brief remarks committing to listen to residents and to work collaboratively. Mayor Moore called the meeting to order after the oath and adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m.