ROSEBORO — History was made Tuesday night, as the town’s first female mayor was sworn in during the regular board meeting.

Alice Butler, who held a spot on the town’s Board of Commissioners, won the election in November and was sworn in Tuesday night by District Court Judge, Hon. William B. Sutton, Jr. Commissioners Ray Clark Fisher and Cary Holland were also sworn in to keep their spots on the Board, while commissioner Richard Barefoot, who was slated to also be sworn in, was absent from the meeting.

Before relinquishing his title, former mayor David Alexander spoke to the room full of people who were present to witness history being made.

“This is a bitter sweet occasion,” Alexander said. “I have enjoyed being the mayor. I appreciate these commissioners. They have done a good job for Roseboro.”

Alexander, who was called a valuable servant for the town of Roseboro in a proclamation read during Tuesday night’s meeting, was honored by Butler and other Board members for his years of service to Roseboro. Alexander served as a commissioner before being elected mayor.

“We appreciate all you have done for this town,” Butler said.

The proclamation, which was read by Butler, was written to show the town’s appreciation for Alexander’s service to the town of Roseboro. The town offered Alexander and his wife a small gift to show their love and support for the former commissioner and mayor.

“I love the citizens of Roseboro,” Alexander shared.

Once the oaths of office were taken, Butler’s official first act of duty was to ask the Board to name a mayor pro tem. Butler previously held the position.

Fisher nominated Holland for the post, a job Holland was prepared to accept, but with hesitation.

“Due to the support of the public, I will accept, but I won’t vote for myself,” Holland said.

After some discussion, Fisher rescinded his nomination and nominated Commissioner Anthony Bennett, who has served the town the longest of any other Board member.

Bennett was unanimously voted as mayor pro tem.

Holland will continue to work with the public works department, Fisher with public safety, Bennett with personnel and Barefoot with public works.

With the election of Butler as mayor, her term as commissioner has not expired, leaving her seat on the board vacant.

Town clerk Tony Blalock informed the Board that he contacted the League of Municipalities and sought council on the proper steps the Board needs to take in filling the vacant seat. Blalock said the Board could appoint someone from applications, submit names for approval or take the next highest vote-getter from the November election.

In the past, the Board has accepted applications to fill the seat and will continue with that method.

Applications for the seat will be accepted through Jan. 5, with the final selection made at the Jan. 12 meeting.

Reach Kristy D. Carter at 910-592-8137, ext. 2588. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd. Like us on Facebook.

Roseboro’s first female mayor swears oath

By Kristy D. Carter

[email protected]

Hon. William B. Sutton, Jr. administers the oath of office to Roseboro Commissioners Cary Holland and Ray Clark Fisher.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_Rboro2.jpgHon. William B. Sutton, Jr. administers the oath of office to Roseboro Commissioners Cary Holland and Ray Clark Fisher.

Alice Butler, the town of Roseboro’s new mayor, was sworn in Tuesday night by the Hon. William B. Sutton, Jr.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_Rboro3.jpgAlice Butler, the town of Roseboro’s new mayor, was sworn in Tuesday night by the Hon. William B. Sutton, Jr.

Newly elected mayor Alice Butler reads a proclamation to former mayor David Alexander during Tuesday night’s meeting.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_Rboro1.jpgNewly elected mayor Alice Butler reads a proclamation to former mayor David Alexander during Tuesday night’s meeting.