January 11, 2021–7:31 p.m.

STAFF REPORTS

The City of Rome has a new mayor.

By a split vote, Craig McDaniel was elected mayor during last night’s Rome City Commission meeting.

McDaniel received five votes while Bill Collins, who has been the mayor the past two years, got four votes.

“I just want to take a moment to thank my friend Bill Collins for what he has contributed to the Rome City Commission and especially for the last two years as mayor,” McDaniel said.  “He has led us through some turmoil and times that I know he didn’t he didn’t sign up for but he has had some challenges both years.  There was no text book to teach anyone how to make it through this year, and I want to say that Bill has done an outstanding job.”

Collins also spoke following the vote.

“I feel the same way about you Mr. Mayor, and I know you are going to do an outstanding job,” Collins said. “I need to tell the commission that you guys have been more than supportive with me being the first black mayor of this here city.  I have been blessed to even have this opportunity to head up this government and everybody has been more than fair.  So, it’s been great.”

Sundai Stevenson was elected mayor pro tem and Sammy Rich was reappointed city manager.