Politics & Government

Yolanda Ford Officially Sworn In As Missouri City's Mayor

Former Mayor Allen Owen passed the baton to Yolanda Ford, and ended more than 32 years of service to Missouri City.

MISSOURI CITY, TX — Mayor-elect Yolanda Ford became Mayor Yolanda Ford when she was officially sworn in Dec. 17 in city hall chambers.

Ford, who defeated incumbent Mayor Allen Owen in a Dec. 8 runoff election, made history, becoming the first woman and first African-American to be elected mayor of Missouri City.

On Dec. 17, Ford took her oath of office with her parents, Abram Ford Sr., and Jacqueline Ford at her side.

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“I just want to take this opportunity, to one, thank God, my parents, my family and everyone who supported me to get to this point. I sincerely appreciate it,” said Ford, who is the City’s 11th mayor. “And I want to leave everyone with one remark: I know we have a lot of differences, but with that we have to learn to appreciate our differences so that we can work together to get things done. And, I also want to say that we have to learn to work together as brothers or we’ll perish as fools. So, thank you, thank you.”

Ford's first official act as mayor was swearing-in At-Large Position #2 Council member Chris Preston, who was recently re-elected to his position.

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“I am honored, and as a proud product of Missouri City I will remain committed to the integrity and the forward progress of our beloved community. I grew up here…the schools raised me, the neighbors invested in me…the churches prayed for me and I owe a debt to Missouri City and I will pay that debt in full. We have a lot of business to do, a lot of unfinished work, so let’s get back to it. Thank you all,” Preston said.

Ford and City Manager Anthony J. Snipes also saluted former Mayor Allen Owen for his 32 years of public service to the citizens and presented him with a proclamation thanking him for his service to the citizens of Missouri City.

To see the meeting in full, click here.

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Image: Courtesy: Missouri City

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