Whitmire Town Council Member Michael Thomas, 26, said his farewell at the December meeting after six years on the council.

Friday afternoon, the new council took hold as the six council members and mayor were sworn into office. Whitmire’s Town Council turns all of its seats over at once and the council members are “at-large”—meaning majority wins in the election as there are no voting districts within the town.

Both Michael Thomas and his father, Carroll Thomas, decided not to run for re-election and left two open seats filled by newcomers, Dwight Lane, 52, and Cassie Fowler, 48, a columnist for the Union Grapevine.

The new council brings the first-ever female majority and second black council member in 20 years, says re-elected Mayor Tim Carroll.

Filling out the ranks of the new town council are re-elected members Jimmy Brock, Annette McCaskill and Debbie Harris.

Where did Thomas go?

Michael Thomas won the Republican nomination for the county coroner seat at the July 1 primary, and decided not seek re-election for town council so he could focus on the coroner race.

Democrat Craig Newton won the Nov. 4 general election for coroner in a 8,367-7,689 victory over Thomas.

The Whitmire-born Thomas is yet unsure if he will run again for another town council seat, but plans to run in the 2012 race for coroner.

In the meantime, he says he will still attend town council meetings and help when needed.

“I appreciate the citizens in the community giving me the opportunity to serve for the past six years. It’s been an honor and a privilege,” says Michael Thomas. “And even though I’m not on council, I’d still be happy to help the citizens in any way that I can.”

Carroll and council members also gave a nod of appreciation to the younger Thomas.

“You are a great asset and we are going to miss you,” said Carroll.

And if Michael Thomas was to change his mind and wanted to again be on the council, council member McCaskill said he could have her seat.