Dr. Ianthia Fisher Sworn in as Crockett Mayor

First African-American Female to Lead City

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

CROCKETT – History was made in Crockett on Monday, May 13 as Dr. Ianthia Fisher became the first African-American female to be sworn in as the city’s mayor.

The swearing-in ceremony took place before a standing-room-only crowd during a regularly scheduled meeting of the Crockett City Council.

A standing room only crowd was on hand to witness Dr. Ianthia Fisher being sworn in as the mayor of Crockett

Before Crockett’s newest mayor was sworn-in, Precinct One Councilman Butch Calvert and Precinct Two Councilman Darrell Jones were administered the oath of office. Both councilman had been re-elected to their respective positions earlier this month.

Once the councilmen had been sworn in, it was the mayor-elect’s turn. City Administrator John Angerstein asked Dr. Fisher to come forward in order to take the oath of office.

“I, Ianthia Fisher, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of mayor of the state of Texas and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this state, so help me God,” she recited.

The council chambers erupted with congratulatory shouts and applause as Fisher slowly made her way to the council table to assume her role as the mayor of Crockett.

“I would like to say thank you. Thank you so much. I am so proud to be a part of the city. I was the one who said when I leave, I probably wouldn’t come back, but I did and I stayed forever. It was a great choice,” she said.

Crockett Mayor Ianthia Fisher

“I would like to acknowledge my husband, my daughter and son, my sisters and siblings and everyone who has contributed to make me who I am. I would also like to acknowledge my pastor and all the ministers who came. We will have an opportunity to celebrate and introduce everyone on June 23. We will give you the exact time later. We will have a meet-and-greet with all the candidates and myself. Thank you so much and because I am answerable to God, I will always be fair,” Fisher said.

Prior to the swearing-in ceremony, the meeting was called to order by outgoing Mayor Joni Clonts. The first order of business was the approval of minutes from the city council session held on April 1.

After the minutes were approved, the next agenda item called for the canvassing of the votes from the May 4 election. Following the vote canvass, the city administrator presented Clonts with a plaque, signifying the city’s appreciation for her service.

In other matters brought before the council:

  • Police Chief Clayton Smith reported the police department received 429 calls for service during the month of April which resulted in 52 arrests. There were 275 traffic citation
    Outgoing Crockett Mayor Joni Clonts was presented with a plague in appreciation of her service to the city.

    s issued and 94 police reports filed.

  • Crockett Fire Chief Jason Frizzell reported the fire department responded to 30 calls within the city limits and 16 calls in the county. Frizzell also reported there were no structure fires during the month of April.
  • Public Works Director Jerrod Vickers provided the council with public works report for the month of April.
  • A resolution authorizing the additional incurrence of indebtedness through the United States Department of Agriculture in the amount of $661,000 in cost overruns for water improvements was adopted by the city council.

Will Johnson may be reached via e-mail at [email protected].

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