MARTINSVILLE, Va. (rbs news now) — LC Jones was elected mayor and Kathy Lawson was selected as vice mayor during the Martinsville City Council’s organizational meeting on January 2.

Newly elected council members Rayshaun Gravely and Julian Mei, and re-elected council member Kathy Lawson were sworn in.

The council’s voting process began with Mei nominating Lawson for mayor, a motion Lawson declined.

Gravely then nominated Jones, seconded by Lawson, while Aaron Rawls nominated Mei, seconded by Mei himself.

The vote resulted in Jones being elected as mayor, with Jones, Gravely, and Lawson supporting him, and Mei and Rawls voting for Mei.

In his closing remarks, Jones acknowledged the challenges of serving on the council and urged residents to support and hold the council accountable.

“This job on city council is not an easy job,” Jones said. “As we move forward in 2025, I ask that for all of us on council to move in the direction that moves this city forward in a positive manner and when they can’t find that space to be positive, to spread light amongst the city, to seek prayer in their own way.”

For vice mayor, Rawls nominated Mei, seconded by Mei, and Gravely nominated Lawson, seconded by Lawson.

The council elected Lawson as vice mayor, with Jones, Gravely, and Lawson voting for her, and Mei and Rawls voting for Mei.

During her remarks, Lawson called for positivity and progress, referencing a recent sermon as inspiration.

“We cannot allow negativity to cloud the good works of our citizens, our businesses, and this council,” Lawson said. “We can and we will bring forth new programs and projects that will move our city forward.”

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