Politics & Government

News Nearby: Councilwoman Sworn in as New Mayor of Grayson

It was the end of an era as Allison Wilkerson took over the mayor's seat, which had been occupied by Jim Hinkle for the past 25 years.

The new mayor of Grayson and two city council members took the oath of office Monday (Dec. 16) during the city's regular council meeting. 

Chairwoman Charlotte Nash of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners swore in former Councilwoman Allison Wilkerson as the new mayor, Trenton Arnold for Wilkerson's previous city council spot for Post 2, and Linda Jenkins for Post 4. 

See also: Hinkle Says Goodbye After 25 Years as Grayson's Mayor

The council ceremony was the first Nash has ever presented. "I look forward to working with the city of Grayson and seeing great things from the area down here," she said after all the new elected officials were sworn in.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to continue the great things that Mayor [Jim] Hinkle has done in the past," said Trenton, who is a regional superintendent for the DeKalb County School District. "Grayson is going in the right direction. It has been for a long time, and I'm excited to be a part of that process."

Having lived in the Grayson area for 20 years, Trenton qualified in August for the post that was recently filled by Wilkerson. It was his first time running for public office, and he ran unopposed. 

Jenkins had qualified for the post recently held by former Councilwoman Katie Mitchell and ran against Laura Gavulic in the November general election. Jenkins retired from teaching in Gwinnett County Public Schools in 2004 and had served on the council already from 1977 to 1982. 

"The passion has been so productive in Grayson," said the new councilwoman after the swearing-in ceremony. "We want to continue the legacy that has been started. We want growth that suits the people."

Wilkerson, who's been on the council for 12 years, ran unopposed in the election. She decided to follow in the footsteps of her father, who also served as mayor.

Wilkerson announced that she would be running for mayor after Hinkle said he would not be running another term in the summer. He had served as mayor for 25 years. 

At the city council meeting, Hinkle gave the new mayor a surprise present, which represents the "ultimate symbol of authority in Grayson," he said: the parking sign for the mayor's spot at city hall. 

During her council report, Wilkerson gave a tearful message about how someone close to her was not at the council meeting. 

"As excited as I am about this new part of this new journey, it breaks my heart to know that my mother is not here to celebrate with me," she said. 

So in her mother's honor, Rev. Joe Paul performed a closing prayer to bless the city and outgoing and incoming council.

In addition to Nash, other elected officials were in attendance: Georgia House Representative Brett Harrell (R-Snellville), four of the five members on the Snellville City Council, and Melvin Everson, the executive director/administrator for the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity. 


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