Marion County District Judge Mark Hammitte administers the oath of office to incoming Bear Creek Council Member Chris Gillum while Mayor Rob Taylor watches.
BEAR CREEK - Chris Gillum, a veteran of the Bear Creek Town Council, has returned to begin his fourth term, filling the place 4 seat recently vacated by the resignation of Chris Hyde.
The town council, in a special called meeting Wednesday, Oct. 26
voted unanimously to name Gillum to the vacant seat, with Alex Price making the motion, seconded by Eric Mills. Voting in favor were Price, Mills, Eric Loden and Tom Misner.
Then, Marion County District Judge Mark Hammitte conducted Gillum’s swearing-in ceremony, with Gillum placing his left hand on the Holy Bible and right hand raised to take the oath of office.
Standing nearby was Bear Creek Mayor Rob Taylor.
“Congratulations Chris. We’re glad to have you on board,” Taylor said. “Chris has always had the best interest of the town in mind. He’s an excellent fit for this council.
“We look forward to three more years of nothing but forward,” Taylor added.
Gillum was first appointed to the council in 2008, to complete the remaining three and a half years of Richard Crumpton’s term after he resigned.
Gillum was then elected to two four-year terms, serving over 11 years but not seeking reelection in 2020.
The mission, now that Gillum has returned to the council, is to keep the town moving forward in a positive direction, he said.
“Everything is different,” Gillum said. “Even though I served before, this is going to be a different experience for me, with some different folks and a new approach to things. I am looking forward to it.
“Also, try to grow our town the best we can, promote job growth and also keep community services going and also help maintain our water system,” Gillum noted. “Just help in any way I can.
“I think it’s good positive leadership, and I am looking forward to working with a good group of folks,” Gillum concluded.
Gillum will serve the remaining three years of Hyde’s term, or three more years.
Hyde had taken his seat on Council Place 4, November 16, 2020, after the last municipal election, having defeated opponent Brian Talley.
See complete story in the Northwest Alabamian.
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