Graham Installs New Mayor and Council, Public Shows Strong Support

Chelsea Dickey took the oath of office as mayor of Graham on December 9, 2025, in a packed ceremony that also welcomed newly sworn councilman Jim Young and returning councilman Bobby Chin. Ricky Hall was reelected and installed as mayor pro tem, participating from a knee scooter after recent foot surgery. Oaths were administered by local judges and former municipal officials, and family members stood alongside officeholders holding Bibles during the formal proceedings. Regional elected officials and members of the school board attended, underscoring the event as a focal point for local governance and interagency coordination.

The ceremonial aspects reflected both continuity and change on the Graham city council. The presence of reelected members provides institutional memory and procedural stability during the transition, while the addition of a new council member and a new mayor sets the stage for policy choices on budgeting, economic development, public safety, and municipal services. The turnout at the installation suggests heightened civic engagement, which will matter as the council tackles upcoming budget cycles and policy decisions that directly affect residents.

Procedural details from the ceremony, including the administration of oaths by sitting judges and former officials, highlighted the rule of law and customary transfer of authority. The mayor pro tem role retains importance for council leadership and continuity when the mayor is unavailable, and Hall's reappointment signals a measure of confidence among colleagues in leadership continuity during recovery from surgery.

For residents, the transition means new personnel responsible for setting short term priorities and representing Graham in regional discussions. The attendance of school board members and regional officials indicates an early emphasis on collaborative relationships between the city and neighboring institutions. Citizens should monitor upcoming council agendas and budget discussions to assess how the new configuration will address local needs and to hold elected officials accountable for transparency and measurable outcomes.

The inauguration marked a ceremonial affirmation of local democracy, while also launching a practical period of policy making. How the new mayor and council balance continuity with new ideas will determine service delivery and fiscal choices affecting Graham households and businesses in the year ahead.