Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify Easley moved back to Montgomery in 2000 while she was still working. The story previously stated she returned after she retired.

Patricia Easley was sworn into Montgomery City Council at a regular meeting July 12 by Mayor Byron Sanford to fill a vacancy for Position 5.

Position 5 became vacant when Sanford—who previously filled Position 5—was elected mayor in May.

According to Easley, she was born and raised in the Montgomery area, and after graduating college from Sam Houston State University, she worked in the corporate world in Houston. In 2000, Easley said she returned to the Montgomery area where she is passionate about improving the overall quality of life.

"Progress is inevitable; we can't stop it; and a lot of it is good," Easley said. "But we've got to make sure that the citizens have a good quality of life and that the citizens are considered in every decisions that's made."