by Fred Seely
Editorial Director
John Peyton says his inauguration as mayor will not have a lot of “pomp and circumstance” and that’s the only thing that’s sure for now.
Peyton will take office July 1 and has appointed Blue Cross and Blue Shield vice president Mike Hightower to chair the committee.
Hightower agreed with his boss: he doesn’t know much yet.
“I want to sit down with John and Katherine, who will be his wife by then [they get married June 1], and really get a feel for what they want,” Hightower said Monday. “I do know this: it will be a community celebration, bringing together all parts of the community.”
Apparently, the mayor’s inauguration will be his stage alone. The new City Council also needs to be installed, but incoming president Lad Daniels has scheduled that for the preceding Thursday.
Peyton said he “was inclined to say ‘no’ ” when asked about an inaugural ball.
“I don’t want a lot of pomp and circumstance,” he said. “I’d like to have something that truly reflects this community. I’m a music buff, so you can expect that. Other than that, we’ll see.”
Hightower added, “There will be a lot of diversity and a lot of fun.
“We don’t know where it will be. In fact, we may have it at several places. We have a large group of people who want to volunteer to help and we’ll get their input, too.”
All portions of the ceremony, he added, will be open to the public.