Mayor Guy Thompson set an historical action in to place last Monday night. He set a time for resignation, bringing forth a temporary change.
Today, at 12 p.m., Mayor Guy Thompson’s resignation is official as he hands over the reigns of the city, although temporarily, to R.L. Lewis, pro-tem mayor. Lewis will be the first African-American Mayor of the City of Milton. Thompson will take his final ride as mayor this morning in the Milton High School Homecoming Parade, and return to city hall for Lewis’ swearing in ceremony. Thompson said Lewis will be the mayor, albeit for a short time, but his name will be in Milton’s history books for posterity.
“He’s served his city for 30 years. He deserves this honor. It is a historic time for this city,” said Thompson.
Lewis said he is grateful to Thompson to have a “brief sit” in the mayor’s seat.
“I will act like its 1,000 days instead of the four,” he said. Lewis said he didn’t know about Thompson’s plan until Monday night’s executive meeting.
“When he said he was resigning, I thought to myself, ‘I’ll just fill the seat as pro-tem. I didn’t realize I would be officially sworn in until Dewitt Nobles told me it would happen and I would actually be the mayor,” he said.
Lewis said he has never considered running for mayor throughout his term as city councilman.
“My next move will be sitting on the porch,” he said.
Randy Jorgenson, AICP planning manager for the city, said he thought Thompson’s move was classy.
“It was a selfless move on Lewis’ behalf,” said Jorgenson.
Also notable action from Monday’s executive meeting was Lloyd Hinote’s move to name Milton Community Center after Thompson. The vote passed and will be included on Tuesday’s council meeting consent agenda. Thompson said he was tremendously humbled by the honor. “This was not expected,” he said, “and I don’t feel I am deserving of it. I’m proud and thank the council for their actions.”
Mayor elect Wesley Meiss will be sworn in Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m. at Milton City Hall.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: R.L. Lewis will be Milton’s first black mayor