By Martin Couch
It might have been one of the last times that Mayor Larry Mitchell would say "All those in favor, ‘Aye,’ all those opposed, ‘No,’ and I hear none …"
Mitchell, City Clerk Brenda Cockerham and Alderman Ed Collins received certificates of appreciation on Thursday night at City Hall for their service to the citizens of Bryant. Ken Green, also an outgoing Alderman was honored as well.
"I'd like to extend to you[more] my personal thanks for a job well done from the City Council," Alderman Danny Steele told Mitchell when handing him the certificate. "The City of Bryant presents this certificate of appreciation as mayor in honor of four years of dedicated service. Bryant was in CNN Money Magazine as one of the top 100 cities; the Gadbury Group selected us as the second-fastest growing city in Arkansas in 2009; Bryant was one of the top 10 best places for jobs in America in 2009; and in 2010 BusinessWeekly selected us as one of the best places — all of this was done under Larry Mitchell's tutelage and we appreciate that."
Cockerham has been the Bryant City Clerk for nine consecutive years and two mayors. She received a plaque for her service and a candy cane from Alderman Brenda Miller.
"I would like to extend my personal thanks for all the hard work you have done dealing with these folks in this city," Steele said. "The city of Bryant presents this certificate of appreciation for service from Oct. 17, 2001 to Dec. 31, 2010 — nine years of dedicated service."
Collins received his certificate later in the meeting from Mitchell.
Of Green, Alderman Chris Tipton said, "We have to thank Ken Green for what he's done for the city."
"He's done so much for the city," Alderman Steve Gladden added.
