Surrounded by friends and family, Burlington’s first female mayor, Beth Kennett, was sworn into office at the Burlington City Council meeting on Dec. 2.
The meeting was held in the Hugh M. Cummings High School auditorium, which was filled with Burlington locals and supporters of Kennett. Before adjourning the meeting, Kennett reaffirmed her commitment to being a voice for the people of Burlington.
“I’m not here to make your choices; I’m here to work with you to make Burlington the best it can be,” Kennett said.
While being sworn in— accompanied by her husband and two daughters—Kennett held a children’s book in addition to her Bible. The book, “Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote” by United States Senator Kristen Gillibrand, tells the stories of 10 women throughout history who fought for the right to vote. Kennett said she purchased 17 copies and plans to distribute them, along with a personal letter, to children connected to her campaign and those she meets in the community.
“I really believe women deserve to be equal,” Kennett said, "And not just women, anyone who has been seen as less than.”
Kennett said she chose this book because it acted as a symbol of this belief. Kennett shared that she draws much of her courage to pursue politics from her daughters and hopes to demonstrate that political leadership is possible for anyone, regardless of background.
As her first official act as mayor, Kennett called for nominations for mayor pro tem, resulting in Council Member Bob Ward being sworn in after a unanimous vote. Newly elected council members Ian Baltutis and Jeffrey Smythe also took the stage to be sworn into their roles. Both expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the new administration.
“I appreciate the faith from the community to be able to serve our city again,” Baltutis said.
Baltutis previously served as Burlington’s mayor from 2015 to 2021. Smythe is the former police chief of the city. Smythe will also be taking on the role of director of public safety for the state of North Carolina, according to a press release from Gov. Josh Stein.
Following the meeting, the new mayor was greeted by friends and supporters, stopping to speak with them and take photos. Among the crowd was Stephanie Enoch, who said she attended to support her friends and peers as they were sworn in. Enoch said she hopes the new council will work to bring the community together across political divides.
“We needed a change in Burlington,” Enoch said. “And change has come with Beth Kennett.”