After resignation, departing Ussery says goodbye at meeting

Jeff Ussery, who stepped down as Republic’s mayor on Tuesday, July 21, receives a plaque in recognition of his service to the city from City Administrator David Cameron.

City Council bids farewell to recently re-elected two-term Republic mayor
 
The Republic City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 21, was Jeff Ussery’s last as mayor of Republic. Ussery, who served for four years and was recently re-elected, announced he was stepping down from the position on July 14, citing increased responsibilities due to a promotion at work and the need to make time for his family.
At the meeting, Ussery thanked the city staff, the council and many others for their efforts on behalf of the city during his time as mayor. He also expressed great pride in the accomplishments made on the city’s behalf.
“I think we’ve done some great things,” he said. “I think we’ve changed the economic course of this city. If you look around, I think the things that are going around in this city now couldn’t have been dreamed of in 2015, 2016, and that’s not me; that’s the staff. But I’m glad to have been part (of it). We paid off $17 million in debt; that was one of the things I ran on. I wanted to make sure that we got rid of debt, because that affects our kids. That affects the work here, and that affects the city employees, because when we are constantly trying to find money to pay off debt, we’re not trying to find money to pay them, and that’s what’s important, because they work hard.”
Ussery also urged the council to continue in their efforts to serve Republic’s citizens.
“I would like to lastly ask the council to continue the path that we’ve been on,” he said. “I think we have taken a stand for what’s right on numerous occasions, and we listened to what our citizens had to say, and we’ve done what is right by those people.”
After Ussery finished speaking, the council members each wished him well.
“I knew that day after talking with you that you were going to be a great mayor, and you’ve lived up to that every day,” Council Member Eric Franklin said. “Ronald Reagan once said that, ‘The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things; he’s the one that gets the people to do great things. And the City of Republic and our staff do an absolutely amazing job… We are very proud of the hard work and dedication you have shown to our citizens, and I have no doubt in my mind that your encouragement, your leadership and your personality and your actions are a huge part of the success here at Republic.”
Council member Jennifer Mitchell expressed sadness at Ussery’s departure, stating she had looked forward to working with him, but also said she was happy to see him able to spend more time with his family.
“We love you guys, and just wish you the best,” she said.
Mayor pro-tem Matt Russell told Ussery not to “regret his decision for a second,” while Council Member Gerry Pool expressed gratitude for Ussery’s efforts and presented him with a gift certificate on behalf of the council.
Also speaking was City Administrator David Cameron, who said Ussery had served the city with enthusiasm and integrity.
“He’s been a great advocate for this city,” Cameron said. “He loves this city. I remember … when Jeff was thinking about running for mayor. I knew right then that Jeff’s passion was about doing things, helping out, not overreaching but getting his hands dirty and saying, ‘Listen, what can I do, and where do I fit in to that?’ He’s never, never one time overstepped his boundaries … to try to take advantage of anything.”
After speaking, Cameron presented Ussery with a plaque in recognition for his service to the city.

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