Town Council sworn in

By JUSTIN HARMON/Staff

On Wednesday, Abingdon town officials swore in newly elected Town Council member Jason Berry and council veteran Ed Morgan.
Though there was little fanfare, both men happily accepted their positions on the board.
“It’s an honor just to be elected to office,” said Berry.
Berry said he’s happy he’ll get the chance to serve on the governing body of the town he grew up in, saying he wants to give something back. And he says he’s already got something in mind: jobs.
A large part of Berry’s running platform was centered around producing new jobs for the community and expanding on the Stonemill Business and Technology Park. He is also proposing that the council work more closely with Washington County officials.
Now in his third term, Morgan said he was surprised at how close his victory was; only winning by two votes.
“I didn’t expect that,” he said.
However, Morgan thanked everyone who put enough confidence in him to vote.
Morgan’s plan is to fight for controlled growth, especially in and around the town’s entrance corridors. While he was campaigning, Morgan said he attributed the traffic problems at Interstate 81’s Exit 17 interchange to uncontrolled growth.
Morgan calls pedestrian access to the town a “very major priority.” He hopes to help put in more sidewalks and walkways for people who walk around town.
Abingdon Mayor Lois Humphreys said that she’s looking forward to working with Morgan for another term and with newcomer Berry. Humphreys also said that Bob Howard, who lost the election, was a good council member.
“We thoroughly enjoyed Bob,” she said. “We will miss him.”
According to Town Manager Greg Kelly, the town sent Howard off with a fond farewell in the form of a cookout honoring him on Thursday evening.
Justin Harmon can be reached at 628-7101 or