By Jeff Devine
ARITON— The Town of Ariton celebrated a new chapter in its history yesterday with the swearing-in of Mayor Ben Key and the members of the Town Council. Bill Knox, Rhonda Peters, Ryan Wilson, Nicki Hamm, and Andy Cook were all sworn in to serve the people of Ariton on the Town Council.
Held at Ariton Baptist Church, the inauguration drew a crowd of residents and community leaders who came together to honor both the town’s incoming leadership and those who have served faithfully for years.
Among those recognized was Mr. Johnny Lee Williams, who is retiring after many years of dedicated service maintaining and enhancing Ariton’s public spaces and infrastructure. His steady efforts have left a visible mark throughout the community.
Also honored was Mrs. Jackie Danner, who has devoted an impressive 50 years to serving as Town Clerk. Speakers praised her wealth of knowledge, dependable leadership, and lifelong commitment to the town’s citizens.
The Dale County Chronicle spoke with Mayor Ben Key following the inauguration, and he spoke about how much it means to him that the people of Ariton chose him as their mayor and also shared some of his goals for his new administration.
“This means a lot to me, having the people of Ariton choose me to serve them as mayor. A lot of folks are talking about the historical significance of me being the first Black mayor elected in Ariton, but I do not really focus much on that. I just want to do everything I can to help Ariton grow and prosper. I grew up here, and I just want to see Ariton strive to the best it can, and I will do my best to make sure that happens,” Key said.
“Ariton has unfortunately gone downhill a lot over the years, and I would like to see if I can help attract new businesses to the area so we can create more revenue and jobs for the people,” he added.
When asked what he would would like to see potential new revenue used for, Key said, “I’m here for the people. I am open to suggestions, but I want to see any future revenue used for something that benefits the whole community. We would like to have more businesses, such as a mom-and-pop shop, so the people of Ariton can shop locally instead of traveling out of town.”
Key also spoke about preserving and honoring Ariton’s heritage and history, pointing out that that would be another priority for his term as mayor. “Through the Dale County Commission, we created a museum to honor and celebrate Big Mama Thornton, and we have already got the museum open to the public, but we would like to do more so the people of Ariton and even people passing through can see the history and value of Ariton.”
The museum celebrates two Wiregrass blues legends and their musical and community contributions to the area, including Ariton native Willie Mae Thornton, who was commonly and affectionately called “Big Mama Thornton,” and J.W. Warren.
After the inauguration, we spoke with residents about their experience at the inauguration. One resident, Elizabeth, shared how important the event was to her. She said, “Today was just really great. I always enjoy seeing the mayor and council get sworn in each time because it’s always a historic moment…and that should be honored and remembered. We also have our town’s first Black mayor, so that was also a major moment in Ariton history.”
She also emphasized her belief about the importance of all citizens being involved in the voting process and being aware of the actions the mayor and town council take while in office. “Even if I didn’t vote for some of the candidates, I still like to go because it is part of our democratic process, which is so important, even at the town level. Our democracy is precious and fragile at the same time, which is why we should all be involved. I wish more people would get involved because voting at every level of government is so important. These people are our elected representatives, and if you don’t participate and use your voice with your vote, there ain’t nothing you can complain about if things are done that you don’t like,” she added.
As Ariton’s new administration takes office, many residents, both in person and on social media, have expressed excitement and optimism for the town’s future and gratitude for the dedicated public servants who continue to shape Ariton’s future.
