ROCKINGHAM — Retired educator and local business owner Debbie Wrenn is now a member of the City Council.
Wrenn’s appointment to the board — to fill out the remainder of Anne Edwards’ term — was approved at the October meeting and she was sworn in, surrounded by her family, Tuesday evening.
Edwards resigned in September citing her declining health. She had been on the council since 2015 when she was appointed to fill the remainder of the term left vacant by Travis Billingsley.
Click here to read about Edwards’ resignation.
“It’s an honor to be with this group and all the leadership that I see here,” Wrenn said after taking her seat at the dais.
Wrenn worked with Richmond County Schools for more than three decades, working her way up the ranks from teacher to principal, eventually landing a spot in the administration at the central office.
She retired from the school system and started Simply Chic — a downtown boutique at the corner of S. Lawrence and E. Washington streets — with her daughter, Jenny Williamson.
Wrenn also served on the city’s Board of Adjustments.
“She has been part of our community for a very long time,” said Mayor John Hutchinson, joking that the rest of the board would have to “step up our game” and be better dressed. “Thank you very much for giving your time and support for the city.”
Councilman Bennett Deane welcomed Wrenn and encouraged her to “speak up when you have something to say.”
“We’re about to outnumber them,” Councilwoman Denise Sullivan said, turning to Wrenn and Councilwoman Holly Howe, referring to the male-female split on the board —which is now 3-3.
“We’re glad to have Debbie on board with us,” said Councilman Gene Willard, thanking her for volunteering to fill the spot.
Howe said she was excited to have her sixth-grade teacher sitting next to her on the board.
Wrenn said in jest that she had one warning when taking the position: “…somebody had to be responsible for (City Manager) Monty (Crump).”
Wrenn said Tuesday that she was unsure if she would run for election when the term expires next year.
