Ferguson, MO (KTRS) Ferguson Mayor James Knowles is officially serving his third and final term.
Knowles was sworn in during Tuesday night’s city council meeting. He calls entering his final term as bittersweet.
I’m very excited to go out like this, go out having served my third term, hopefully being able to finish quite a bit before that time comes. It is a little bitter sweet.” said Knowles.
Term limits prevent Knowles from running for another consecutive term.
Knowles said one of his main goals during his final term is to work on the development of the West Florissant corridor.
Knowles spoke to the residents about the need for reconciliation in an effort to keep Ferguson moving forward.
“People who have been on different sides of issues have to learn to reconcile and come together. It doesn’t mean you’re going to agree on all the issues by any stretch, but recognize that what we’re trying to do, all of us if we’re being honest participants in this effort that we’re all trying to move the community together.”
Some residents also expressed their concerns over the Ferguson Market.
Tiffany Reliford is leading an effort to shut down this business along West Florissant. She presented a petition supporting the closing of Ferguson Market.
“We feel Ferguson Market doesn’t revitalize our community. Many residents complain of drug activity.” said Re;iford.
Resident Amir Brandy said he has video taped drug activity outside of the Ferguson Market. When Mayor Knowles asked if he would show city leaders and the police the video, Brandy was reluctant. He challenged city leaders and police to go directly to Ferguson Market to witness the alleged drug activity for themselves. He agreed to show them the video, but said he wouldn’t turn it over to officials.
City Councilman Wesley Bell addressed the issue and agreed that he believes there is a problem at Ferguson Market.
A recent documentary which featured video surveillance of Michael Brown inside of Ferguson Market sparked protests last month.
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