Martin sworn in, Foley and Givens reappointed

Newly-elected Salem City Council member James Martin is ready to begin his term. After months of anticipation, candidate forums and a successful May election, Martin was officially sworn into office by Salem Circuit Court Clerk Chance Crawford on Friday, July 1.

Also sworn in were Salem City Mayor Randy Foley and Vice Mayor John Givens, who were unanimously reappointed by council, and whose terms were extended by another two-year term, now running until Friday, June 20, 2020. No other individuals were nominated for the roles.

“I’m very honored and privileged to be reappointed, and I really do feel like things are improving economically and I’m optimistic about what the future holds,” Foley said. “I really do believe that things are getting better and bigger things are ahead.”

Ending his time in office is interim Councilman Jim Chisom, who was unanimously appointed by council at the end of last year, and who began in January after the resignation of Councilwoman Lisa Garst. Chisom’s final Salem City Council meeting was Monday, June 13.

Martin, a solutions consultant for Meridium International, Inc., and a Salem native, was elected on May 3, alongside incumbents Bill Jones and Jane Johnson, who were also sworn in on Friday, for the three empty council seats. Martin said he is excited and grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community he loves.

“It’s just an honor to be able to serve and to give back to Salem, and to try to help lead through service,” Martin said. “It’s a big honor for people to trust me to be on council, and I’m looking forward to doing the best I can to represent the citizens of Salem.”

Martin’s first official Salem City Council meeting serving as councilman will be Monday, July 11.

This year marks Mayor Randy Foley’s 10th year serving on council in some capacity. First elected as councilman in 2006, Foley was appointed mayor in 2008.

“It’s strange… In many ways it seems like it was just yesterday, and other ways it seems like a while, but things have really taken a turn,” Foley said of his 10 years of service.

Vice-Mayor Givens has served on council since 1995, serving the city in innumerable capacities over the years.

Johnson was first elected to Salem City Council in 2004 after serving for two years on the city’s planning commission. Jones was first elected to Salem City Council in 2008.

To learn more about councilmembers or to view upcoming council meeting agendas, visit the city’s website at www.salemva.org.