Marion Jones begins mayoral term

Marion Jones took the oath of office prior to the April 1 Milton Town Council meeting, officially marking the beginning of her term as the town's mayor.

Denny Hughes read the oath to a tearful Jones, while Councilman John Booros held the Bible. Then, as an act of unity and camaraderie, Jones swore in town council's two new members, John Collier and Michael Coté, joined by their wives Cathy Collier and Barbara Tenney.

Among Jones' first orders of business were appointing council's new positions. Booros will serve as vice mayor – replacing Leah Betts, who had been vice mayor since 1994 – and Michael Coté was named treasurer. She also nominated Estelle Parker-Selby to serve the final of year of her term on council. Selby was unanimously accepted and will join council at the Wednesday, April 10, meeting and workshop.

Jones scheduled workshops for April 10 and April 22 in order to publicly discuss with council future committee assignments and long-range projects and goals. By the end of the second meeting, Jones said, she hopes to have a prioritized list of projects based on urgency, money and other considerations.

Then Saturday, May 18, council will host a town hall meeting for residents to openly share the goals, expectations and issues they would like to see council address.

“It will be an opportunity for council to participate and let us hear in a more lengthy discussion what ideas are out in the community,” she said. “I hope plenty of people will come to that.”