New and returning Wilmington City Council members sworn in

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The newest members of Wilmington City Council have been officially sworn in.

During a ceremony on Tuesday night, Mayor Bill Saffo and Councilman Kevin Spears returned to the dais. Saffo will serve a two year term, with Spears serving four years.

Two newcomers, Salette Andrews and David Joyner, were also sworn in on Tuesday. Both will serve four year terms.

“I’m excited. I’m looking forward to all the opportunities,” Andrews said. “I know there’s going to be a lot of challenges but that’s what I’m here to work on and I’m excited to get to work.”

“The top of my priority list is really focused on environmentalism and protecting our tree canopy. Making sure that we are a climate resilient city,” Joyner said. “I think there’s a lot that we can be doing to review good policies and make them great to make us a leader both statewide and nationally on being a climate resilient city.”

The new additions replaced Neil Anderson, who lost his seat, and Mayor Pro Tem Margaret Haynes, who did not run for re-election.

“I do believe that 12 years is time to step aside and let younger people with new and different ideas run and have an opportunity,” Haynes said. “I really mean that. Everybody doesn’t feel that way but I feel that that’s really important to give other people an opportunity. Nobody has all the answers.”

Anderson left the event before WWAY had the opportunity to speak with him.

With the new council seated, the elected leaders unanimously voted for Clifford Barnett to serve as the new Mayor Pro Tem.