by David Chapman
Staff Writer
After presiding over City Council in a year with dwindling revenues, a tight budget and several high-profile battles at the legislative level, outgoing President Ronnie Fussell and other Council members received an earful – of appreciative remarks – Tuesday.
The Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrated Fussell and other Council members during its annual Council Appreciation Luncheon Tuesday at the Wyndham, where more than 200 business leaders, elected and City officials gathered to show their appreciation for the representatives.
“It’s a time for the Chamber to say ‘thank you’ to a friend, a colleague and at times a worthy opponent,” said Chamber President Mike Hightower, who later asked the 19 members to stand for recognition then added: “When you think of the team, this is your team.”
Hightower discussed the positives of the past year in a business perspective, with deals such as Pilot Pen and Alenia providing an economic boon for the area, while introducing Fussell and calling him a “full partner” to the Chamber and mayor in advancing economic investment.
Fussell said he was honored by the luncheon and the chance to serve as Council president and took time to show appreciation for those who helped him in the position.
“Colleagues, it’s been a great year,” began Fussell. “You guys and gals made this year very memorable.”
Fussell said he was proud the elected group was able to work as a body and show respect to one another along the way, a point he was adamant about during his speech at last year’s Chamber Appreciation Luncheon while discussing his goals as then president-elect.
Aside from recognizing his Council brethren, Fussell spent time thanking his wife Rebecca, son Chandler and Executive Council Assistant Mina Hosseini for being there for him during the hectic year.
“I can’t and do not function without you,” Fussell said.
He went on to call the year’s relationship with the mayor’s office “very interesting” but noted the level of respect present even on disagreements.
“It’s been a tough year dealing with issues, but that’s what it’s all about,” he said.
Fussell then ceded time to President-elect Richard Clark who spoke of his level of respect for Fussell. He said he learned much watching the Council president and hopes to continue to lean on him for knowledge as he leads Council in the year ahead, especially with greater obstacles looming.
“The budget is going to be even more challenging this year,” said Clark.
Clark also mentioned public involvement in that process and said community outreach will be a priority in determining “what you (the public) can and can’t live with,” when crafting the next budget. Even with public input, Clark admitted that future decisions would be very difficult and might not always be popular.
“Please engage,” he said. “Please tell us what you want out of your government.”
For Fussell, the luncheon served as a reminder of the year that’s passed as a leader.
“It was a great year,” he said, “and something I’ll always remember.”
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