New Mayor And Council Sworn In

November 3, 2008
Members of the newly elected Arab City Council and Mayor were sworn in during ceremonies Monday night at Arab City Hall.  Of the five council members sworn in, four are new to the council with only councilman Ronny Shumate having served on the previous council.  Johnny Hart, Chris McNeese, Brian Bishop, and Jimmy Reeves are beginning their first term on the council.  Hart served previously as Mayor before resigning to become the Marshall County 911 Director.  Gary Beam was sworn in as Mayor replacing outgoing Mayor Frank Lee Cox.

Arab's new mayor and council were sworn in during ceremonies Monday night.  Front row L-R: councilman Chris McNeese, Mayor Gary Beam, councilman Jimmy Reeves.  Back row L-R: councilman Ronny Shumate, councilman Brian Bishop, councilman Johnny Hart.

Arab Mayor Gary Beam is surrounded by his family as Marshall County District Judge Liles Burke administers the Oath of Office during ceremonies Monday night

A reception for the outgoing and incoming council and mayor was held immediately prior to the meeting.

"What an exciting night," Mayor Gary Beam told the crowd immediately after being seated as the new Mayor.  Beam said he was a blessed man to have the opportunity to work with the new council members.  "They are men of integrity who have the best interests of the city as their priority," he added.  Beam said they would be working together to meet the needs of the City.

Beam praised outgoing Mayor Frank Lee Cox for his help and the transition process.  "I could not have asked for a smoother transition - Mayor Cox has helped tremendously as I have asked questions and begun to become familiar with City Hall."

Beam, who had the largest contingent of family present, thanked them for their support both during the campaign and for attending the swearing in ceremonies.  Referring to the citizens of Arab, Beam said, "Now I have a bigger family and I hope we can all come together to make Arab an even better city."

Looking to the future Beam said the City may have to do some serious belt tightening.  He said the uncertain economic situation may cut into revenues in the coming year.  "While we may have to tighten our belt, we will do everything we can to reduce any impact to the city employees."

Prior to the official change in leadership, outgoing Mayor Frank Lee Cox thanked everyone for their support, especially the city employees.  Cox said they are second to none and it has been a pleasure to work with them.  Cox said it has been fun most of the time.  He also thanked his family for their support and understanding during the 20 years that he served first on the council and then as mayor.  "Jan and I have been married 22 years and 20 of those years I have been involved in city government.  I missed a lot of ball games and concerts."   Choking back emotion he added, "I love you!"

Marshall County District Judge Liles Burke administers the Oath of Office to the new Arab City Council members.  L-R:  Judge Burke, Ronny Shumate, Johnny Hart, Chris McNeese, Brian Bishop, Jimmy Reeves

The council also approved council committee appointments recommended by Beam.  They are:

Finance and Capital Outlay Committee
Brian Bishop, Chairman
Chris McNeese
Ronny Shumate

Annexation Committee
Johnny Hart, Chairman
Ronny Shumate
Jimmy Reaves

Street & Drainage Committee
Chris McNeese, Chairman
Brian Bishop
Johnny Hart

Solid Waste Committee
Ronny Shumate, Chairman
Chris McNeese
Jimmy Reaves

Park & Recreation Committee
Jimmy Reaves, Chairman
Chris McNeese
Brian Bishop

Personnel Committee
Ronny Shumate, Chairman
Johnny Hart
Brian Bishop

Beautification Board Liaison
Jimmy Reaves

Utility Board Liaison
Brian Bishop

Chamber of Commerce Liaison
Johnny Hart

Planning Commission Member
Ronny Shumate

In other business the council temporarily ratified the use of the present bank depositories for city funds and set Wednesday, November 12 as the date for a special council meeting to certify the election results of the alcohol referendum.