Robert Hight is sworn in as Thorsby’s mayor by attorney John Hollis Jackson Jr. on Monday. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

Robert Hight was sworn in as Thorsby’s mayor along with the latest installment of town council members during a ceremony at Helen Jenkins Chapel on Monday.

Attorney John Hollis Jackson Jr. guided the ceremony, as the council and mayor recited the oath and signed documents that made them official members of Thorsby’s government.

Hight has lived in Thorsby along with his wife and kids for the past decade after moving from Kissimmee, Fla.

He used his unique background to capture the imagination of the residents and ran with a campaign that promoted change and fresh ideas.

“It’s pretty big, because I’m considered an outsider and not from Thorsby or Alabama,” Hight said. “People want a change and that’s what I intend to bring them.”

Over the past 10 years, he has owned a shop where he works on automobiles.

He hopes that his experience of owning and operating a small business will help spur opportunities to grow the local economy.

“I’ve been a small business man for 22 years and I’ve learned how to deal with employees and the finances,” Hight said.

According to Hight, the first step in developing a positive business structure is improving the workforce.

“We’re trying to grow the town, because it’s been a little stagnant since Dearl [Hilyer] died,” Hight said. “You can’t complain about changing something unless you take the time to get involved.”