During a special Salem City Council meeting Wednesday (November 2, 2022) evening, Chris Hoy was sworn in as Salem’s new mayor, taking the place of Chuck Bennett who had served as mayor for the last six years before officially resigning.
After winning the mayoral election in May, Hoy was set to become Salem Mayor in January, but will now take the position early. Meanwhile, Bennett, who announced he would not run for re-election last year, decided the time was now to step down.
“The Salem Chamber applauds the remarkable efforts former Mayor Chuck Bennett deployed in his service to Salem residents, as well as the diverse companies who make up our local economic ecosystem,” said Salem Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert. “Chuck was an absolute pleasure to work with, as he understood the various challenges facing all of our small business owners and employees. Mayor Bennett’s years of thoughtful leadership ought to be held in high regard, as he continually brought people together for conversation, understanding, and partnership. It was an honor to partner with Chuck and our organization wishes he and his wife Cherie a successful move to Ohio so they may be closer to their family members.”
About Chris Hoy, Hoffert added:
“I continue to be impressed by newly sworn-in Mayor Chris Hoy’s engagement with residents and businesses across Salem’s diverse community. Chris is sincere in his desire to be an outspoken proponent of community-minded common-sense solutions to dynamic challenges our City faces. The Salem Chamber looks forward to partnering with Mayor Hoy and with fellow City Councilors in elevating the economic and livability opportunities for working families in our city.”
We also wish to congratulate Salem Chamber Board of Directors member Julie Hoy, as she was officially sworn in as the new Salem City Councilor representing Ward 6. Councilor Hoy (no relation) takes the helm in Mayor Chris Hoy’s former Ward.
Watch the video above to see our new mayor and city councilor take their oaths of office.