Residents of Sandersville swarmed Town Hall Thursday afternoon to see the inauguration of incoming mayor Walter “Buzz” Jack and his fellow aldermen. Jack will replace the retiring Allen “Pat” Lightsey Jr. starting July 7. Lightsey’s political career in Sandersville included 12 years as mayor and 16 years as alderman.

Larry Ishee, Jones Co. Chancery Court Clerk, led the ceremony, which included the swearings-in of Jack; aldermen-at-large John Caraway, Bob White, Sherry Lowe, Harmon Hill and Floyd Herford; Police Chief Morris Walters; and Barbara Monk and Phyllis Chancellor, town clerks.

Bro. Tim Sanford of Sandersville Baptist Church delivered the invocation.

Jack, who previously served on the Board of Aldermen from 1989 to 1997, said he wants to help make the town of Sandersville a better place to live.

“I hope myself and the board work together towards a common goal,” he said. “We’ve got a lot to work on in the years to come.”

Those responsibilities include approving all town workers including lawyers and judges. In a previous article with the Leader-Call, Jack said he wouldn’t replace any staff right now, but noted he had some new ideas.

Jack said he’s lived in Sandersville for virtually his entire life. His father, the late W.W. Jack Jr., even served three terms as mayor.

“It’s a unique town, and different from every other place,” he said. “I want to continue to make sure that the people who have lived here for a long time will not want to live anywhere else.”

Lightsey, who helped guide Jack as mayor and coach, won’t be too far away if advice is needed. “I taught and coached him, and my wife taught two members of the board,” he said. “We’ll keep them straight.”