By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
A large and enthusiastic crowd watched Knoxville’s five new city council members take the oath On Saturday, December 20, with outgoing Vice Mayor Tommy Smith presiding. Each new member was accompanied to the Knoxville Convention Center’s Lecture Hall stage by family members and District 6’s Denzel Grant got the loudest applause.
Prior to the oath taking, Rev. Sam Brown and Rev. Dr. Jerry Askew read devotionals, and the Knoxville Fire Department’s Honor Guard presented the Colors with Girl Scout Troop 20170 leading the pledge. Loriah Smith of Parks and Recreation beautifully sang the national anthem.
Mayor Indya Kincannon praised the outgoing city council members, speaking of how the city and the council struggled through the years of Covid 19, but authorized the building of new homes, the new Covenant Health Park, and other projects. She called the incoming five members “bright new minds.”
She also thanked the outgoing council members, saying thanks to their efforts, “The Knoxville Police Department will soon be up to full force.”
Each new member took the oath in order of district, with Karyn Adams of District 1 going first. She was followed by District 2’s Nathan Honeycutt, District 3’s Doug Lloyd, District 4’s Matthew DeBardelaben and District 6’s Denzel Grant.
Knoxville Poet Laureate Linda Parsons recited a brief poem following the oaths.
Once the benediction was spoken, the ceremony was adjourned and followed by a brief meeting of the full council, with the five new members, to select officers.
At-large Councilwoman Lynne Fugate was elected as vice mayor. Although she missed the meeting because of a family matter, she notified the mayor that she would be willing, if nominated, to serve. At-large Councilwoman Debbie Helsley was chosen as Beer Board chair. DeBardelaben said he’d like to serve as the council member on the Knoxville Transit Authority and was chosen to do so.
A reception was held after the ceremonies, and the new members joined in with former council members, elected and appointed city officials, and well-wishers.
The city council will meet next on Tuesday, January 6.
