FERRIDAY, La. — Promising an administration &uot;of inclusion, not exclusion,&uot;&160;former two-term Mayor Glen McGlothin was sworn in once again as Ferriday’s mayor at a Saturday morning ceremony at Town Hall.

Five town council members — including two newcomers — were also sworn in.

Vidalia investigator Bobby Sheppard was appointed as police chief, Assistant Fire Chief Joe Sontoyo was named fire chief and former McGlothin opponent Alex Promise was named as administrative assistant.

While McGlothin is vocal about the good things happening in his hometown — &uot;everyone’s down on Ferriday, but I’m not&uot;&160;– he promised to tackle the town’s problems head-on, including improving recreation to give youth positive things to do.

&uot;But we’ll have to have your input,&uot; McGlothin told the crowd that packed into the town council meeting room and spilled out into the parking lot. &uot;Without it, we’re just here to meet, greet and go home. We need your help.&uot;

Clerk of Court Clyde Ray Webber also swore in five council members: newcomers Mitch Ashmore and Jerome Harris Sr. and incumbents Sammy Davis Jr., Dorothy Johnson and Mayor Pro-Tem Billy Rucker.

&uot;There’s excitement in the air today,&uot; said Ashmore, a longtime resident who previously attended council meetings to protest the town’s water problems.

&uot;It hasn’t hit me yet,&uot; Harris said of his swearing-in, adding that &uot;to have a successful term in office is going to take hard work and teamwork, and I&160;think that started today.&uot;

The crowd gathered for swearing-in ceremony included such local notables as Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland, Police Jury President Charlie Blaney and School Board members as well as elected officials’ friends and family and other local citizens.