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New faces join Wilmington City Council

Reported by Max Winitz - bio|email
Posted by Debra Worley - email

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - The face of Wilmington City Council is going to look different after two new council members were elected Tuesday night.

Kevin O'Grady and Charlie Rivenbark will be sworn into their positions in December, after defeating long-term councilman Jim Quinn and councilwoman Margaret Haynes.

Laura Padgett believes the addition of the newcomers will help share a balance of power within current council members.  She said she thinks O'Grady will bring new and refreshing ideas to the upcoming meetings.

"Mr. O'Grady brings a different viewpoint that has not been there," said Padgett.  "Most of which I agree with, but I haven't always had support for historic preservation issues and downtown development issues."

O'Grady said he's interested to see how the new group dynamic pans out in the council.  He believes that everyone is in agreement to see Wilmington advance.

Rivenbark concurs with O'Grady and said he intends to go along with what's best for the community, but added he will speak his mind if needed.

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