‘I’ll miss it;’ Wilmington bids farewell to longest-serving council member

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – Tuesday marks the final day for three Wilmington city council members. Charlie Rivenbark, Clifford Barnett and Luke Waddell will step down as three new city council members are sworn in.

“Will I miss it? Yeah, I’ll miss it, I really will, it’s become a third of my life,” Rivenbark said.

Rivenbark has been on Wilmington’s city council for 24 years, making him the city’s longest-serving council members.

Looking back on his time on council, there are many things he takes great pride in such as the opening of the new Skyline Center which combine several city departments creating greater efficiency and saving taxpayer money.

“This looms large because this building will serve the city for 75 or a hundred years,” Rivenbark said.

On Tuesday, the three council members will step aside for JC Lyle, Cassidy Santaguida and Chakema Clinton-Quitana. Barnett finished with less than 10% of the vote, he said his time working alongside Rivenbark was memorable.

“Charlie is going to be Charlie, he will speak his mind and  share his points and I’ve just enjoyed the opportunity to serve with him because I know that he has a genuine heart for making the city better,” Barnett said.

As Rivenbark departs, he leaves with some advice for the new council members.

“Don’t be part time, go to all your meetings, and when you get on a committee, take part in them because that’s what the people elected you for,” Rivenbark said.

Whether Rivenbark will return is something he wouldn’t completely turn down.

“Never say never…but don’t read anything into that,” Rivenbark said.