New Leesburg Council member sworn in

LEESBURG — The Leesburg City Council welcomed its newest member Tuesday night, as long-time resident Rufus Sherman was sworn into office before a packed house at City Hall.

Sherman, a retired truck driver who has lived in Leesburg for 50 years, claimed his seat on the council after no other resident qualified for a special election called to replace former council member Sidney Johnson, who retired from his seat at the end of 2016 due to health reasons.

“Well, I was expecting to do a campaign, but after nobody qualified but me I was told I didn’t have to do any campaigning,” said Sherman, following his first council meeting in office. “That was a favor there.”

The new council member said he was also pleased when he found out last week that he didn’t have to wait until later in the month to be sworn in, which he said allows him to get to work helping the community.

“I was (initially) told we’d wait until March 21 to do it, but they called last week and said I could do it tonight (Tuesday) and asked if that was all right,” said Sherman. “I said, ‘Fine, the earlier the better.’ Now that it’s behind me, I’m grateful for that.

“I just want to get in and help the city move forward.”

Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony, which was administered by City Attorney Bert Gregory and followed by a reception welcoming Sherman to the council, brought out dozens of supporters, who filled City Hall to see the city’s second African American council member take his oath of office. Although, Sherman downplayed the significance of that achievement, he said he was proud that so many people came out to support him.

“I’m the second (African American council member),” Sherman said. “The first one was a good friend of mine, J.C. Henderson. He passed away a few years back. But it feels great. I feel good, you know.

“It was a great turnout. My wife and all my kids were here, except for my baby girl, family members, church members, friends, my pastor. It made me happy to see them come and support me.”

Asked how it felt to be stepping into such an important role and whether there were any particular issues that were a priority for him, Sherman said he was excited and ready to get to work.

“It’s new to me, but I feel great,” he said. “There’s no particular (issue) I’m thinking about. My plan is to do the best job that I can for the citizens of this city.”

Sherman added that he felt confident he would be able to achieve that goal, thanks to the support he’s gotten from his fellow council members, city employees and from Johnson, who had encouraged Sherman to run for the office even before he announced publicly that he was stepping down.

“Sidney’s a good friend of mine, a long-time friend,” Sherman said. “His wife and my wife worked together, so Sidney and I have been friends for years. He came to my house and told me I should run, so I decided to do it.

“I know every member of the council. Every one of them is friends of mine, so I’m in good hands. And our city manager (Bob Alexander), I’ve been knowing him for quite a while, and I’m happy to serve with him, too.

“I just want to help the city. I want to see us progress in the right direction like we’ve been doing.”