New Asheboro council, mayor sworn in

Asheboro mayor Joey Trogdon (Courtesy photo)

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro City Council has a new look.

At the council’s Dec. 4 meeting, the new council members and mayor were all sworn into their respective elected offices.

After 16 years, the city elected a new mayor as council member Joey Trogdon won election to hold the seat of former mayor David Smith, who decided not to run for reelection.

“Thank you to everybody for being here,” Trogdon said. “Everyone of these folks in the room that have held office know what kind of journey we’ve all been on here. It’s a hard job and everybody knows that they can’t do it by themselves. Now, let’s get to work.”

In addition, council member Eddie Burks was unanimously elected as the new mayor pro tem. He lost to Trogdon in a bid to become mayor.

“I’ve been up here for 18 years now and no matter who’s been sitting at these seats, we’ve always had a good team and that’s the most important thing,” Burks said. “We will continue to work together as a team and this city is going to continue to prosper.”

Alongside that, incumbent Kelly Heath and newly elected Phillip Cheek, Mary Joan Pugh and Phillip Skeen were all sworn into their seats on the council.

The council also recognized the four outgoing members, including Smith and council members Walker Moffitt, Clark Bell and Bill McCaskill.

Smith had served as the Asheboro mayor since 2009 and before that spent an additional 12 years on the council.

“I just want to say thank you,” said an extremely emotional Smith. “Twenty-eight years, it’s been an honor and a privilege.”

Moffitt has served on the council since 2005 and previously served as the most recent mayor pro tem.

“It’s been an honor to serve with each and everyone here and councils in the past,” Moffitt said. “It’s an honor, a humbling experience. I’ve often said it’s not about power and control, it’s about service and how you can serve.”

Bell has served on the council for 16 years, first being elected back in 2009.

“It’s been my honor and privilege to serve,” Bell said. “It was sort of difficult for me to make this decision, but I figured 16 years was long enough and I think we’re in good hands going forward.”

In addition, council member McCaskill was also presented with the key to the city for his lifelong service to the city.

On top of serving as a council member, McCaskill spent 32 years working as a front-line child welfare worker and social worker supervisor at the Randolph County Social Services.

“It’s been a pleasure serving on the city council,” McCaskill said. “I’ve enjoyed it and it’s been an honor. I’ve specifically liked working with all my fellow council people and also working with city staff. I wish the new city council good luck. You have a big job ahead and I look forward to seeing how you do.”

The Asheboro City Council will next meet Jan. 8.