Elon council welcomes new member, maintains leadership continuity

Elon town government held a brief swearing in and organizational session on December 11, 2025 that formalized the newly seated council and recognized an outgoing member. Mayor Emily Sharpe administered the oaths of office to Steve Exum, who won election to the council, and to Randy Orwig, who won reelection. Immediately after the oath taking, fellow council members reelected Monti Allison to serve as mayor pro tem.

The meeting included farewell remarks and recognition for Stephanie Bourland, who did not seek reelection after serving on the council. Her departure marks a change in institutional memory for the council, creating both a personnel gap and an opportunity for the body to recalibrate priorities and relationships.

Steve Exum is a longtime Elon resident and works as a professional photographer. Family members were present for the oath ceremony, underscoring the personal and community ties common among local officials. Exum joins a council that emphasized a collegial tone during the transition, as members framed the session as a moment to ensure steady governance through upcoming work on municipal issues.

The internal selection of Monti Allison as mayor pro tem preserves leadership continuity for times when the mayor is unavailable. That continuity matters for administrative operations, agenda setting, and representation in regional meetings or in interactions with county and state officials. With a mix of incumbents and a newly elected member, the council is positioned to continue ongoing initiatives while setting priorities for the coming term.

For residents the immediate impact is practical. Committee assignments, meeting roles, and lines of communication will be updated as the council establishes its operating rhythm. Civic engagement remains central as elected officials assume their duties. Voters who followed the municipal contests will now see how candidates translate campaign commitments into meeting agendas and policy decisions. As the council moves forward, monitoring meeting agendas and attending hearings will be the direct way for residents to influence priorities that affect local services, planning, and budgeting.