DAPHNE – Two new mayors and five new city council members joined re-elected incumbents in starting new terms in Daphne, Fairhope and Spanish Fort on Monday, Nov. 2.
Following elections in August and runoffs for some positions in Spanish Fort and Daphne in October, the new four-year term of office for municipalities began Nov. 2.
Former City Councilman Robin LeJeune started his term as mayor of Daphne while Sherry Sullivan took office as Fairhope mayor. Spanish Fort Mayor Mike McMillan was re-elected to a new term.
“It is an honor, it is a true honor and a pleasure to serve this community and serving it in a new role with its excitement and apprehension that I have right now, but having you all here is truly an honor that you would come and see us all take these oaths,” LeJeune told audience members a the city inaugural ceremony. “It’s truly a blessing and it’s a blessing to be in this community and it’s been a blessing to serve this community and I look forward to continuing that.”
On the Daphne City Council, Steve Olen was elected to the District 2 seat vacated by Pat Rudicell who did not run for re-election. Ben Hughes was elected to the District 6 position that LeJeune vacated when he ran for mayor.
Daphne council incumbents Tommie Conaway, Joel Coleman, Doug Goodlin, Angie Phillips and Ron Scott returned for a new term in office.
In Fairhope, Sullivan defeated incumbent Karin Wilson and two other challengers in August to win the position of mayor. After taking the oath of office on Nov. 2, she thanked residents for supporting her.
“I know there’s going to be tough decisions to make and I know there will be days that I question why I ran for mayor of Fairhope,” Sullivan said. “I know that’s going to happen, but none of that will ever overshadow the love that I have for our community, the appreciation that I have for the city employees and the respect that I have for the council members who will serve alongside of me.”
Corey Martin took office as the only new member of the Fairhope City Council. Martin replaced Jay Robinson who did not run for re-election.
Council members Jack Burrell, Jimmy Conyers, Robert Brown and Kevin Boone returned for new terms on the Fairhope council.
In Spanish Fort, McMillan was sworn in after defeating three challengers in the election and runoff.
Carl Gustafason took office on the council replacing Bill Menas who did not run for re-election. Shane Perry was sworn in as the District 3 council member in the position vacated by Bobby Fortenberry who also did not run for another term.
Council members Curt Smith, J.R. Smith and Mary Brabner returned for new terms.
