Special to The Sun-Sentinel
OAKLAND — The voters of Oakland elected Stephanie Patterson, a one-term alderwoman, as the town’s new mayor.
Patterson becomes the first known woman elected as mayor since its founding in 1848.
Patterson’s first foray into elected office came four years ago when she was elected to the board. Patterson used her term in office to complete every certification offered by the Mississippi Municipal League. She has also completed the Administrative Services Certification Program with the Mississippi Personnel Board. She holds a degree in criminal justice from the University of Mississippi with minors in psychology, emergency management, and sociology and was recognized in the Congressional Record for her work in 2022.
Patterson will succeed longtime Oakland Mayor James Riley Swearengen, who has served as mayor since 1985. He did not seek reelection.
The Oakland Board of Aldermen for the next four years includes incumbents Marzet Bland, Terry Ellis, Joe W. Jenkins and Sharonda Jones. Kenneth “Bud” Leland was elected to complete the board.
The oath of office ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, June 27, at the Oakland Senior Center Complex with Justice Court Judge Janet Ross Caulder administrating the oath. The Oakland Area Chamber of Commerce will host a reception following the ceremony. Friends, family and townspeople are invited to attend.
The new four-year term for elected officials begins on July 1.
