Tuesday, December 19, 2023–1:45 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
Monday’s Rome City Commission meeting was the last for Rome Mayor Sundai Stevenson and Commissioner Bonny Askew.
The tributes for Stevenson, who is Rome’s first-ever African-American woman mayor, were led by Floyd County Commission Chair Allison Watters.
“I want to thank you for your service to the citizens of Rome and to the citizens of Floyd County,” she said. “You have led this board with integrity, confidence, and vision. You have demonstrated courage and decisiveness when faced with challenging situations. It has been a privilege to serve alongside you. This past year you have offered encouraging words to me personally, and I appreciate the value you have placed on the relationship between the City of Rome and Floyd County.”
City Commissioner Elaina Beeman told Stevenson that there was no way she could have made it without her.
“I thank you, and this is not the end, this is just the beginning,” she said. “I say thank you for paving the way. Thank you for taking me up under your wings. Thank you for making me feel like that every time I walked into this room, it wasn’t just a man’s world without our pearls and our jewels. I love you, and I can’t wait to continue to serve with you. I look forward to what God has to do with you, and I love you.”
City Commissioner Craig McDaniel recognized both Stevenson and Askew.
“I don’t know if people understand when you put yourself out to run for public office, it’s not always easy,” he said. “It’s hard and it leaves scars sometimes. You make friendships, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. I truly appreciate the service that Sundai and Bonny have brought to the City of Rome. They care every bit as much about this community as I do or any of these commissioners do.”
Stevenson seemed moved by the tributes.
“It has been a privilege for me to serve over these past eight years,” she said. “Thank you all so much.”
Askew was also thankful for the opportunity to serve.
“I’d like to say to the citizens of the City of Rome, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve,” he said. “It is and has always been my desire to be of service to my community. That won’t change.”
Two new commissioners, Wayne Robinson and Harry Brock, will be sworn in after the first of the year.
The city commission will then select a new mayor.