Franklinton Mayor Darwin Sharp was sworn into office on this past Friday, December 20, at the Franklinton Fire Station. Also sworn in were the five aldermen who will represent citizens for the next four years.
Wilson LaGraize was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. He noted that Franklinton was founded 205 years ago in 1819, and Darwin Sharp is the 52nd mayor. The "standing room only" crowd recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by Pastor Kevin Golden from Sweet Home Church of Christ. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem led by Sharp's brother, Craig. Pastor Leroy McElveen from Sunlight Baptist Church (Sharp's home church) and Father Pedro from Holy Family Catholic Church then offered invocations.
On hand for the event were elected officials including Sen. Beth Mizell, Parish President Ryan Seal, Clerk of Court John Crain, Jr., Registrar of Voters Randy Strickland, and Parish Councilmen Reginald McMasters and Shawn Rice.
Lagraize also introduced Sharp's wife Collette and the new mayor’s sister Lynette Sharp. He then listed Sharp’s accomplishments which included serving in the Louisiana National Guard, Constable, Police Juror/Parish Councilman, Alderman, Justice of the Peace and a 46-year career as a contractor. Of note is that Sharp constructed the Washington Parish Free Fair stage in 1995.
Retired Judge Bill Burris administered the oath of office to Sharp with his wife Collette holding a bible. Sharp's great nieces Loxleigh and Lorelei Busby presented the new first lady of Franklinton a bouquet of red roses. Judge Burris also administered the oath of office to Aldermen/Alderwoman Lee Dillon, Seth Descant, T.J. Butler, Jr., Patrice Crain, and Randy Reed. Mr. Butler will be serving his 5th term as Alderman and Descant and Crain are serving their 2nd terms.
The newly sworn-in mayor thanked the many citizens who were in attendance for their support. He said he is looking forward to serving as mayor along with a good board of aldermen. Together, he said, they will all work to move Franklinton forward.
He also stated, "I am an administrator. I can suggest and lead, but the final decisions are the board's responsibility."
Mayor Sharp explained that a challenge will be the recent federal Consent Decree that the town will be under for the next five years. He also referred to the most recent audit report that cited numerous updates needed to the town's charter and job descriptions among other items that need to be addressed. The Mayor also plans a master water plan to fix the town's water. Pipes from the 1940's are rotting and falling apart which makes this a priority.
Be, he noted, all progress takes a unified board. United, the town can become lots more than it currently is, he said. Sharp also mentioned a recreational park being on his agenda, but more pressing issues must come first.
Mayor Sharp ended by thanking Fire Chief Brandon LaSalle, Superintendent of Public Works Reginald McMasters, and Police Chief Justin Brown for their involvement in the day's activities. Rev. Golden gave the lunch blessing and serving were Sharp's neighbors Sandi Miller, Lana Branch, Brenda Burch and Cathy Stringfield.
Mayor Sharp will preside over his first meeting meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
