Teen Mayor sworn in

Earle teen sworn in as city’s top elected official

By RALPH HARDIN

ralphhardin@gmail.com

He’s been on TV, all over social media, and in the news – and now he’s in the mayor’s seat at Earle City Hall.

Mayor Jaylen Smith, an 18-year-old college freshman at ASU Mid-South is the new Mayor of the City of Earle, officially, after taking the oath of office in the halls of the Marion District Court on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in front of a crowd of family, friends and supporters by Judge Tonya Alexander.

Smith was elected in a Dec.

See MAYOR, page A3

Judge Tonya Alexander administers the Oath of Office to new Earle Mayor Jaylen Smith on Monday.

Photos courtesy of Mayor Jaylen Smith

Mayor Jaylen Smith was all smiles as he posed at the courthouse with family and friends after being sworn in.

From page A1

6, 2022, runoff against Nemi Matthews, and his win in that race made him the youngest mayor-elect in the United State and youngest Black mayor in U.S. history.

His election also made him an overnight sensation, with Smith making the rounds on TV talk shows and news broadcasts. Now that he is of_cially in of_ce, Smith is ready to take on the issues in his hometown.

“Today was an exciting day as I was sworn in by the Honorable Circuit Court Judge Tonya Alexander,” said the young mayor. “I’m looking forward to serving the City of Earle as your new, Honorable Mayor Jaylen Smith. As I continue to say, the young people are our future. This historic moment proves that regardless of age, you can make an impact on your community and city. It’s a shifting in this season. I thank everyone for being a part of this impactful day and for your continued support. I ask that you all keep praying for me as I do what is required to improve the city of Earle. God Bless you!”