Those attending watch as Judge Allison Harbison swears in Justice of the Peace Melba Rodgers.
July 31, 2020 (Video in the process of uploading) - Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison swore in the newly elected and appointed Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Melba Rodgers.
In the July 15th meeting of the Shelby County Commissioners' Court, the court accepted the resignation of Margie Anderson and approved appointing Melba Rodgers since she had won the position in the March Primary Run-off Election. Her appointment to the position is effective today, July 31, 2020.
Judge Harbison said, "I am so tickled to swear Ms. Melba in. She is replacing a true legend (Margie Anderson). A women who has been there for years and who has done such a great service for that community and I feel like that this is going to carry over with another strong, smart independent women."
Judge Harbison (left) swears in JP 3 Melba Rodgers (right).
Prior to the swearing in, Rodgers' sister Kathryn Schillings gave an invocation. Judge Harbison led Rodgers as she gave her pledge to serve the county, "I, Melba Rodgers, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 of the county of Shelby, State of Texas, and I will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the constitution and the laws of the United Sates and of this state, so help me God."
After applause, Judge Harbison advised lightheartedly JP Rodgers that she had just married this county and she now belongs to them.
"This is really full circle for me because Melba gave me my first big person, adult job. Right after I was married, she took a chance on a young, green girl and I went to work for the Headstart program," Judge Harbison explained. "I just want you to know I appreciate her faith in me back then and I have all the faith in the world in her now."
Melba Rodgers, her family, and other JPs listen to Judge Harbison as she speaks before the swearing in ceremony.
Newly sworn in JP Rodgers thanked her family and friends and community for their support during the election time and now, "I ask for your continued support and your prayers, especially your prayers, to go through this (job)."
Locally elected officials attending the swearing in ceremony and offering their congratulations were Constable Pct 3 Roy Cheatwood, District Clerk Lori Oliver, JP 1 Donna Hughes, JP 2 Marla Denby, JP 5 Tracy Broadway, Sheriff Willis Blackwell, and County Treasurer Ann Blackwell.
JP Pct 3 Melba Rodgers (left) and Constable Pct 3 Roy Cheatwood (right)
From left to right: JP 5 Tracy Broadway, JP 2 Marla Denby, JP 3 Melba Rodgers, and JP 1 Donna Hughes.
Melba Rodgers with her family.
