Elmore Autauga News Staff
Photos by Carla Wilson
The City of Prattville held its swearing-in ceremony Monday morning in the City Council Chambers, officially welcoming returning and newly elected officials as they begin their new terms of service.
Mayor Bill Gillespie Jr. was sworn in for his fourth full term by the Honorable Andrew Odom, City of Prattville Attorney.
Mayor Gillespie addressed the crowd, saying, “I look forward to working closely with our city council, especially our two new bookends down here. Each brings fresh perspective, new energy, and a shared desire to see Prattville continue to thrive.”
“It is a privilege to be serving this incredible community we call home. We’ve proven that when Prattville stands together, there’s no challenge that we cannot overcome, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. We are tried, vested, and proven, and the best is yet to come. So thank you, God bless you and God bless the City of Prattville,” said Gillespie.
Two newly elected council members, Thea Langley and Wade Newman, will serve their first terms on the council. The Honorable Jay Thompson, Autauga County Commissioner, administered the oath of office to his cousin, Newman, who represents District 1. The Honorable Joy Booth, Circuit Judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit, administered the oath to Langley, who will represent District 7.
The Honorable Bill Lewis, Associate Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, along with Judge Booth, swore in Marcus Jackson, District 2. The Honorable Lewis Colley, Municipal Judge for the City of Prattville, administered the oath to John Chambers, District 3; Tommy Merrick, District 4; and Michael Whaley, District 5.
Ms. Katye Strichik swore in her father, Robert Strichik, who will continue representing District 6.
Following the oaths, the council selected Michael Whaley to serve as Council President and John Chambers as President Pro Tempore.
Councilman John Chambers, who represents District 3, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m deeply honored and sincerely grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as your city council representative for another four years.”
Council President Michael Whaley also shared his appreciation, stating, “I’m deeply humbled by your continued support and vote of confidence. I’m eager to work with this council and the mayor to ensure open lines of communication internally, fostering an environment where efficiency and accountability strengthen public trust in the areas of transparency, public involvement, and fiscal responsibility.”
The benediction was delivered by Fire Chief Joshua Bingham, followed by a reception in honor of the newly sworn-in officials.
