HURLOCK — It was standing room only at the Dec. 4 inauguration of Michael Henry to his new post as mayor of Hurlock. Mr. Henry won the Nov. 4 election by 10 votes over incumbent Joyce Spratt.

Council President Charles Cephas chaired the meeting until he handed the gavel to Mr. Henry following the swearing-in ceremony conducted by Amy Craig, clerk of the court. Mayor Henry, in turn, swore in new District 1 Councilman Charles Cummings, returning council members Bonnie Craig, representing district 2, and council member at large Earl Murphy. Departing council member Jerry Rhue congratulated Mr. Cummings who is replacing him. Audience members applauded him for his service as he left the dais to sit in the audience.

After Town Administrator John Avery gave Mr. Henry his shiny, new nameplate, the new mayor sat down and chuckled, “Boy, the room looks different from up here.”

Referring to the full house during an interview with the Banner, Mr. Henry said, “This is a surprise. I expected maybe a little more than usually come but this is overwhelming. The number of town employees that are here was great, too. It shows me a lot. I’m happy and I can’t wait to get started.”

The next meeting, led for the first time by Mayor Henry, is Dec. 11, 6 pm.