FAIRHOPE – The budget will be a top priority for Fairhope’s new mayor when she takes office Nov. 2.
Sherry Sullivan was elected mayor on Aug. 25, taking 58 percent of the vote in a four-candidate race. She defeated one-term incumbent Karin Wilson, who received 25 percent and two other challengers.
Sullivan, who worked for the city for said Fairhope finances will be one of her first considerations.
“One of the top priorities will be starting to work on the budget in the next two months, in the interim,” Sullivan said. “I’ll try to maybe get together with a few of the council members at a time and work on the budget and obviously meet with the current mayor and make the transition as smooth as possible.”
She said she will also look at other areas of city operations.
“Obviously there’s going to be some priorities that I have, but, first and foremost, is going to be the budget and just being able to get in there and meet with department heads and look at some of the projects that are currently under way and again, trying to make that smooth transition,” Sullivan said.
Wilson said she would be working with Sullivan on the transition.
“I congratulate Sherry Sullivan and will work with her over the next few months for a smooth transition into office in November,” Wilson said in a statement. “I look forward, with excitement, for the next chapter God has planned for my life and will continue to serve the community that has given me so much.”
Fairhope had the highest voter turnout in municipal elections in Baldwin County with about 33 percent of register voters casting ballot on Aug. 25.
Sullivan said she appreciated the support of residents at the polls and during the campaign.
“I just really want to thank the people of Fairhope for coming out to vote and thank my team and my volunteers for standing there beside me throughout the journey and helping me have success,” Sullivan said.
Wilson also thanked supporters and residents.
“I want to thank you for allowing me to serve the city I love for four years. I'm extremely proud of our accomplishments and look forward to all the projects being completed over the next few years from the hard work of so many,” the mayor said. The city is in a much better place and it has been a great honor to serve and be a part of its success. I congratulate Sherry Sullivan and will work with her over the next few months for a smooth transition into office in November.”
Four of the five city council members will return for another term. Jack Burrell, Kevin Boone and Robert Brown were re-elected after defeating opponents on Aug. 25. Jimmy Conyers was not opposed in his bid for another term. Newcomer Corey Martin was not opposed in his bid for the seat held by Jay Robinson, who did not run for re-election.
