Mobile mayor-elect Spiro Cheriogotis is preparing to assume his new position, and current mayor Sandy Stimpson is working to ensure a smooth transition.
Stimpson told 1819 News he has focused on the transition for several weeks, remembering how difficult his adjustment was when he was elected in 2013.
"I've really tried to open the doors of City Hall to Spiro, inviting him to join our staff meetings, community events and meetings with state and federal partners," Stimpson said. "Spiro's also spent time getting to know our department heads and has joined several department meetings. It's been great to see how engaged he is."
Stimpson endorsed Cheriogotis during the election. He said he learned from experience that it is best to foster positive relationships with the incoming mayor and others involved in city government.
While Cheriogotis said he plans to make some organizational changes, he said he will retain most of the staff.
"We're still having some of those discussions, but I expect we'll announce them publicly shortly after taking office," Cheriogotis said.
Cheriogotis is optimistic about the future of Mobile. He said he hopes to build on the progress being made in the city while developing new partnerships and tackling new challenges.
"I think I'm as ready as anyone can be," he said. "I know that I don't know it all, and I'm sure there will be a continued learning process, but I'm very excited to be stepping into this new role."
While some of those challenges will be unpredictable, such as a pandemic or winter storms, Cheriogotis said he is working to prepare the city for the unexpected.
As for expected challenges, the mayor-elect said he wants to ensure Mobile has a stable and growing source of revenue.
"Alabama cities rely heavily on sales taxes and that's a constantly shifting landscape — especially with the increase in online sales," Cheriogotis said. "As a city, we need to make sure the taxes collected here are used to support local priorities, from infrastructure improvements to essential programs, city services, and public safety."
Stimpson said he had to deal with many things he never expected, including the job's politics.
"When you run an organization the size of the City of Mobile, there are always a lot of responsibilities — from personnel to financial management, to equipment and to the mission and vision of the organization," Stimpson stated. "When you add to that the politics of the job and the many things mayors are asked to do as ambassadors for the community, it really is a lot of responsibility.
"It also surprised me how often situations wind up on the mayor's desk that are caused by the actions of others," he continued. "Sometimes that might be a poor choice by a city employee, and other times it may have nothing to do with city government at all. People sometimes act without realizing how their actions could affect the city's image or credibility, and suddenly you're spending an inordinate amount of time protecting both."
As he prepares to pass the baton, Stimpson is reflecting on his accomplishments, such as stabilizing finances, reducing crime, annexations that made Mobile the second-largest city in the state, establishing the Big 10 Mayors Association and earning departmental accreditations and recognitions.
Stimpson said he is proud of taking Mobile from a city known for its "perpetual potential" to a city with momentum, with the help of many others.
"There are several big projects in motion right now," said Stimpson. "The Mobile Arena, the new airport, and public and private investments being made to activate Mobile's downtown riverfront — I think all of these are important projects, and Spiro understands what an impact they could have."
With many new jobs coming to town, Stimpson said he would like to see desirable, affordable and safe housing options for workers, something Cheriogotis has already set as a priority.
Stimpson said he would also like to see the development of Brookley by the Bay park.
Cheriogotis has already been meeting people and using the last five weeks to learn the inner workings of City Hall.
Keeping a campaign promise, Cheriogotis said public safety will remain one of his primary focuses.
"I'll continue meeting with members of the command staff and other law enforcement leaders to find ways we can better address gun violence, strengthen security downtown, and make sure our public spaces are safe — and feel safe," Cheriogotis said.
He also plans to visit ongoing projects, look into public transportation and search for new opportunities.
Cheriogotis has learned from Stimpson how important it is to get out, meet people, and promote the city. Those things are the things Stimpson said he will miss the most. However, Cheriogotis said he is ready to take on those tasks.
"Sandy's work as mayor was never confined to the City of Mobile, and that's why he was influential across Alabama, driving legislative initiatives and being a leader among city leaders," Cheriogotis said. "Without Mayor Stimpson's help, building these relationships and gaining that insight during the transition wouldn't have been possible."
As he leaves City Hall, Stimpson said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve as mayor and is looking forward to what's to come.
"I'm certainly looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends, but at the same time, I know I'll find something to focus on," he said. "I was speaking with a friend the other day who talked about waking up every morning and praying for an assignment — 'God, what do you want me to do today?' We're all uniquely gifted to do something, and I'm interested in finding out what it is I can do to be helpful to the community."
Cheriogotis will be sworn in on November 3.
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