CECIL COUNTY – Leadership of the Cecil County Council witnessed a change last night with former Council Vice President Jackie Gregory being elected as Council President during Tuesday night’s work session.
“We were pleased to see the council work together in selecting a highly competent, dedicated leader,” said County Executive Danielle Hornberger. “My administration looks forward to working collaboratively with Council President Gregory and the entire County Council in service of Cecil County citizens.”
Both Meffley and Gregory received nominations for the position of council president with Councilwoman Culberson nominating Gregory and Councilman Miller nominating Meffley for the position. In the vote for council president, Gregory received three “yes” votes from herself, Councilwoman Hamilton and Councilwoman Culberson- winning her the position as Council President.
“I have been on council for six years now and I feel great to have this opportunity,” said Gregory. “I am looking forward to moving into the new year with a new council and seeing what we can accomplish for the benefit of the county.”
Before the vote for council president, Meffley gave remarks thanking the people of Cecil County and talking about what he feels is important for good leadership of the council.
“No matter what the outcome is, I want to thank the council and the people of Cecil County,” said Meffley. “I have been president for two terms now and we got a lot done and I have managed to stay in the middle of the road and I think that is very important as president because you can’t go to one side or the other or you won’t get anything done.”
Meffley later received another nomination from Councilman Miller for the position of council vice president. Similarly, Council President Gregory nominated Councilwoman Culberson as council vice president. When silence grew amongst the council after Council Manger Culver requested a second for the nomination, Gregory urged Councilwoman Hamilton to second the nomination by turning to her and whispering “second.”
With Councilwoman Hamilton declining to second the nomination, Councilman Miller made his nomination and Meffley was elected council vice president in a 5-0 vote.
Moving forward, Council President Gregory says she wants to work closely with the administration and create a council that works cooperatively for the benefit of the county.
“My goal is to be very open and have a council where everyone has input and we have really good communication with the administration and we are working all together for the benefit of the county,” said Gregory. “I have been involved in Cecil County and the government for some time now so I have a good handle on where we are, where we have been and where we are going.”
Gregory also notes that as council president, she wants to continue positive growth in Cecil County as well as constituent services.
“I think this is a positive change,” said Culberson. “I think Jackie has different ideas and different goals and I am excited about the direction the council may take but I am hoping the council comes together as a team to make things better for the county.”
CECIL WHIG CLIP
By Matt Hubbard
