Talking Rock held its first city council meeting of 2014 amid citizens there to share in their induction and see the first council meeting under their administration.The approval of family members and residents was apparent as Judge David Lindsey swore in both old and new council members as well as Mayor Carol Opdenhoff before the beginning of the meeting.

Opdenhoff spoke as the meeting began, stating her hopes for drawing businesses and thanking business owners for their efforts to improve the town. The townspeople who attended were heralded by her as she has been seeking more involvement of the community in the council meetings.

Actions taken at the meeting included setting a work session and changing the times of the meetings to accommodate council members with other obligations. The new council meeting times are on the first Thursdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. Their next work session was set for Saturday, January 18 at 1 p.m.

As the council begins its tenure and new members get familiarized, most city business was set aside for discussion at the work session. As the meeting drew to a close, new council member and former mayor Cheryl Sams asked to speak.

She was tearful as she expressed thankfulness that John Quinton’s granddaughter Jessica Quinton Wells now holds a council seat. Quinton was essential to Talking Rock’s development prior to his death in 2005.

Sams went on to express her hope that the board can effectively serve its constituents.

“I love this community. I love the people in the community. The people in this community deserve the best that they can have.”

Expressing solidarity, Opdenhoff closed by stating,

“I’m looking forward to working with you all…and I’m excited about working for our people.”

A video of their statements may be viewed here:

A slideshow of the inductions may be seen here: