By Elisabeth Strillacci

KANNAPOLIS — Monday night’s city council meeting in Kannapolis was one for recognitions and swearing in, as new city attorney Andrew Kelly joined the council for his first meeting.

“As you all know, we have only had one city attorney until tonight,” said Mayor Darrell Hinnant. “Kelly comes to us from the city of Charlotte where he served as a senior assistant city attorney.”

Hinnant said Kelly’s work “collectively represents more than $1 billion of economic development investment,” and the hope is the Winston-Salem native will bring the same level of expertise to Kannapolis.

Kelly was sworn in by new city clerk Pam Scaggs, who has taken the seat previously occupied by Bridgette Bell, who was also recognized Monday night.

“Bridgette has essentially been our only city clerk,” said Hinnant, who called her forward to receive the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from former Governor Roy Cooper. The award is the highest honor a civilian can receive from the governor.

“Bridgette did whatever needed to be done,” said Hinnant. “She filled a number of roles over her 37 years of service, and attended an incredible 1,700 meetings. How did you have that much patience?” he asked her. “She helped guide new council members as they learned, and was always able to answer any question. Any council member will tell you, it probably takes two years to understand how city budgets work, but Bridgette knew all the ins and outs. She is most deserving of this recognition.”

And finally, the council announced it had designated Feb. 21 as Government Communicators Day, calling forward the communications department for recognition.

Communication specialists Sam Keck and Betsy Barnette joined the Director of Communications Annette Privette Keller and the mayor to receive a proclamation honoring their work.

In that proclamation, the city leaders stated “government communicators play a vital role in ensuring the flow of accurate, timely and essential information between government entities and the public, and enhance transparency, foster public trust and contribute to informed citizenry through their diligent work and dedication.”

Hinnant said those in the role of communications not only have to respond to changing information and updates, but to changes in forms of communication as technology changes.

“It is essential to have strong communications in government because it is a foundational element of living in a democracy where citizens have the freedom to make their voices heard,” Hinnant read.