Jackson City Council Sworn In; Appointments Made
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Jackson City Council members took the oath of office, Tuesday morning. Among the council are two new members, Scott Conger and Vicky Foote. Also, Johnny Dodd returned as the council member for District 2 after having to give up the post in January amid controversy concerning his eligibility to serve. After being sworn-in by Judge Blake Anderson, all nine council members took their seats to begin the business of the day. Scott Conger said earning his seat on the City Council comes as a result of several months of hard work. “Really, the work started months ago. Especially after the election, I started getting phone calls and just trying to help out on a more personal level.” Conger‘s grandfather, Robert Conger, served for many years as Jackson’s mayor. The younger Conger said his grandfather gave him some important advice when he decided to run for public office. “My grandfather told me I need to do it for the right reasons. I didn’t need to do it to have my name in the paper or be on TV. I need to do it to serve people and help people out.” District 1 also has a new representative on the city council, Vicky Foote. She previously served for two years on the Jackson-Madison County School Board. She said Tuesday‘s meeting and swearing-in was the culmination of many months of campaigning. “When you think of all of the hard work that went into the campaign, the excitement of the night the election results came in, this is the celebration.” Foote estimated approximately 70 people came to the ceremony to support her. “It’s a very humbling experience and I want to do the best job I can for them.” Johnny Dodd took the Oath of Office for the fourth time, but this time was different. In late January, Dodd resigned his seat on the council after issues arose concerning his eligibility due to a felony conviction in 1987. In February, Dodd went to court and won back his citizenship rights including the ability to serve in a public post. Returning to his seat as a councilman marked the finish of a long process for Dodd, but he said God had a purpose for the situation. “Everything happens for a reason. As they say, I’ve been the poster child for having a felony in my past, 24 years ago. It gives me an opportunity now to show people, no matter what you go through, regardless of your past, your future has a clean slate.” Dodd added that his return as a councilman brings with it a renewed effort to bring the community together. “We can do it together as a team. It’s not about me, it’s about the community as a whole working together and being one.” During Tuesday‘s meeting, several appointments were made by the council. Councilman David Cisco was appointed vice mayor for a one year term. Councilman Dodd was selected as treasurer. Also, City Recorder Al Lafoon was re-appointed for a new four-year term in his post. Lafoon has served as city recorder for the last six years.
