The changing of the guard has begun in Chester City as Democratic City Council members and mayor John Linder were sworn in Tuesday morning at City Hall. Linder became the city’s first Democratic mayor since Barbara Bohanan-Sheppard served in the mid-1990s. The Democrats take control of City Hall for just the second time since 1905. Linder replaced former mayor Wendell N. Butler, who was in office for the last ten years.

Hundreds of local residents and elected officials packed Council chambers to watch the Democrats take their oath, while others watched from downstairs in the community room via a camera feed.

“I’ve been here since 1941,” said John Shelton Sr., education advocate of Chester. “Seeing Mayor John Linder being sworn into office is one of my best experiences that I had in Chester. This event could not have been done if everyone in the community did not do their part and vote. I know the community is in good hands because our mayor is home-grown.

“He’s going to do well, because we as a community want to see him succeed and we want to work with him — not against him. If we all are willing to be on one accord with each other, city council, and the mayor, we will lead Chester back into its proper place.”

Linder, who retired as a professor of Delaware County Community College since being elected mayor, will also oversee the Department of Public Affairs. The department includes the police department.

“Family is what drives me, and Chester is my family,” Linder said shortly after taking oath. “The entire city is my family. I just want to say thank you to each and every one of you. We want to do our best to make Chester a place where children can go to school to learn and get a quality education, (a place) where people can feel safe to come here and open up a business and prosper and thrive. We want the community to have a state-of-the-art police and fire department.

“We were Republicans and Democrats before the election, but after the election we are people who are working hard to continue to make Chester succeed. There are going to be times when we have problems, when we don’t agree, and when we just can’t get to the next step; that sometimes happens in families. We don’t need to be a dysfunctional family, but a family who works through those tough times together.” 

Also sworn in were director of accounts and finances Nafis Nichols, controller Edith Blackwell, and director of parks and public property Elizabeth Williams. Councilwoman Portia West, two years into her term, will continue as the director of streets and public improvements. Council also appointed Joseph M. Bail as police chief and Kenneth R. Schuster and Candice Jefferson were appointed as solicitor and city clerk.

Frances G. Whittington, Larif K. Hamm, Darrell V. Jones and Rasheedah L. Myers-Lee will fill vacancies on the Chester Economic Development Authority board. Anzer Kirkland and Joan Neal were appointed to the Chester Redevelopment Authority board. Livia H. Smith was appointed to the Chester Water Authority board.

“It is truly an honor be elected onto city council and it is a feeling that I can’t explain,” Nichols said. “I want to thank the people of Chester. I will serve all of you to the best of my ability. We are all community servants, and together, will continue to make this city thrive.”

Following the ceremony, Linder led a reorganization meeting of the city council where council appointed William A. Jacobs to fill the seat left vacant by Linder’s election to mayor. Jacobs was immediately sworn in by Linder and Judge Lavonne Postelle. 

Residents also had the opportunity to address members of city council following the meeting. Edward Lilly, pastor of White Rock Christian Church, ran against Linder in the Democratic primary. He told the audience that no matter what problems may endure in the future, the community should stay united and not divided.

“If we don’t divide ourselves we will stand united,” he said. “I know that many people in Chester know that John and I ran in the primary against each other. While many people had questions about that, at the end of the day John was still a member of White Rock and I was still his pastor. If the city follows that example, that we can disagree without being disagreeable and remain friends — and remain together as a community — it will work out.”