Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson attended his last city council meeting as mayor on Tuesday, hearing words of appreciation from council members, city employees and community leaders, including University of South Alabama president Jo Bonner.
Bonner highlighted many of Stimpson's accomplishments and thanked God for the city leadership.
"I'm confident, knowing you as long as I have, that you would much prefer – rather than praise you – that we would simply thank the good Lord above for the many blessings that he has bestowed upon us during this time in office," Bonner said. "We know that you are a man of strong faith and deep conviction."
Mobile Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Bradley Byrne said Stimpson grew the city's economic opportunities and made the city better by creating One Mobile.
"One Mobile is going to be your legacy for decades and decades to come," said Byrne.
Gina Gregory, who has been on the city council since 2005, has experienced three mayors. She said she appreciated Stimpson's ability to take on challenges.
"Not only do you take it on, but you stick with it and make it happen," said Gregory.
Councilman William Carroll, who has also served with three mayors, said he appreciates how far the city has come under Stimpson's leadership.
"Mayor, I commend you for developing the staff that you have, which is truly blended and balanced and I hope that the legacy of those conditions move forward with the next administration," Carroll said.
Council president CJ Small also mentioned Stimpson's diverse leadership and challenged mayor-elect Spiro Cheriogotis to keep it that way. Small thanked Stimpson's wife, Jean, calling her a respectful "first lady" of Mobile.
"[She was] always smiling and stayed in her place and that's very important because many times you have wives interfere with their husband's business," said Small. "But I can honestly say that she has represented the city of Mobile very well."
Councilman Joel Daves also participated in his last meeting after deciding not to run for another term. Daves has served on the council since 2013. He and Stimpson were first elected in the same year. Daves said he witnessed the city coming out of financial woes and turning around during the Stimpson administration.
"The absolutely remarkable, miraculous things that have happened to the financial condition of the city are the result of the work of Sandy and Paul Wesch, and anything I had to do with that was small, but I am happy to have helped out where I could."
"I've never met a businessman that is so successful and still has so much compassion for people," Councilman Ben Reynolds added.
Stimpson's faith in God was highlighted throughout Tuesday's meeting.
"I want to truly thank you for being who you are," said Cory Penn. "You a man of faith, you speak about that, you live it. You don't just talk about it, you walk in it and your faith have put the city of Mobile in the position that we're in, and that's through your leadership."
Councilman Josh Woods thanked Stimpson and his wife for making Mobile a place where he wants to raise his own family.
"Thank you, mister mayor, and we appreciate you greatly," Woods said.
Stimpson said being mayor was the honor of a lifetime. He said nothing would have been done without the support of his wife, Jean, and his siblings. He left Cheriogotis and other city leaders with a challenge to ensure people want to live and work in Mobile in the future.
The city also officially adopted a new slogan, "Born to Celebrate," and the "iconic M" as its official logo.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
