New Year, New Mayor

By Tammy Moore Teague
On January 1, we welcomed in a new year and new leadership within the City of Mansfield. Mayor Buddy Black was sworn in at the Sebastian County Courthouse in Fort Smith on Tuesday morning. Also taking the oath was ward 1 position 1 alderman Julie Thomas.
Black comes in office on the heels of interim Mayor Mike Gipson. Gipson served the city for the past nine months, serving the remainder of former Mayor Larry Austin’s term. Black and Thomas both won the election in November 2018.
Thomas said “I’m so proud to serve the city I love so much.” Black said he was ready to get to work following the ceremony. He added, “I am so thankful for this opportunity to become Mansfield’s next mayor. I look forward to working with our city council and the citizens to move forward with all the good things we have to offer and see everyone proud to live in Mansfield.”