By George Evans
Selma Mayor

In 2008, the election cycle was busy and required a business focused and community minded leader who understood the needs of the residents of Selma, along with a plan of action to get things done to exponentially stabilize and grow the city.

Fast forward to today, November 2016, and the same holds true for the community that I call home. I am proud to be a citizen and to have served as mayor of the great city affectionately called, Queen City of the Black Belt.

The weeping willow trees, vibrant school football games, catching a movie in the reopened Walton Movie Theater, festive parades and business meetings at the Saint James Hotel are some of the fond memories I will always have.

But there are challenges too. Cultural difference divides us both locally and internationally. Population in many southern cities is declining.

On the positive outlook, I want to especially thank all of the 350 employees at City Hall, our progressive Selma City Council and the nearly 20,000 residents who worked with me from 2000 to 2016, as city council president and mayor.

You are among the most hard working and dedicated groups of people I know. Each of you focused on the singular goal of progressing the city in new and innovative ways.

However, there are challenges we face as a nearly 200-year-old city.

I believe in Selma, our people, the business community and the progress we have made.  There are many things I am proud of including making progress on public safety, working with the veterans, improving local road conditions, and enhancing our streets.

I now pass the torch along to the new administration and wish them success in leading our city. As a private citizen, the nostalgia of traveling down Broad and Water Streets will always be an active memory for me and bring a smile to my face as I relive all of the memories of the Edmund Pettus Bridge overlooking the Alabama River.

From the meetings at the local restaurants, to the family events at Bloch Park, we are all one Selma. I believe in Selma and always will.

As the new administration gets seated along with the city council and the new mayor assembles his cabinet of leaders, we will all be watching progress being made, especially me, although this time from the sidelines.  Congratulations to the new administration, my hope that they will ignite new traditions and nurture the ones with momentum.

Thank you Selma for allowing me to serve you from 2000 to 2016. I had a great time.