By Karissa Minn
kminn@salisburypost.com
EAST SPENCER — The town of East Spencer’s new mayor and alderman took their seats Monday for the first board meeting of their terms.
Mayor Barbara Mallett, who is retired after serving as town financial administrator and clerk, has served on the board as alderman. Monday was her first time at the center of the table.
Aldermen Theodore Gladden and John Noble reaffirmed their oaths of office on Monday.
“I want to thank the voters for your confidence in this board,” Mallett said. “We see great things for this board and the town, but we’ll need your help.”
Former Mayor John Cowan chose not to run for re-election this year.
Alderman Curtis Cowan took the place of Carlton Ellis on the East Spencer Town Board of Alderman, which has six members in total.
Curtis Cowan, a corrugator operator with Packaging Corporation of America, now holds an elected office for the first time.
Judge William Kluttz administered the oaths of office.
Mayor Pro Tem Phronice Johnson presented special recognition plaques to the former mayor and alderman.
Johnson thanked Ellis for all the time he has given to the town in the past four years.
“I don’t want you to stop,” she said. “I want you to continue to comment.”
She said John Cowan has been a very dedicated mayor for the past two years.
“I appreciate you, John, for all the work you’ve done,” Johnson said. “This board appreciates you.”