The Mark of a Mayor

It was with a sadness I can’t put into words that I heard of the resignation of Loganville Mayor Ray Nunley this week. After getting over the shock of his cancer diagnosis last year, I guess we all knew then that he probably wouldn’t be able to follow through with a tough election campaign this year. I just didn't expect his term to end this early. So it was with a heavy heart that I attended the meeting today on his official resignation. I was not surprised, however, that he put the city first – that has been the mark of his leadership from the outset. 

Leaving the meeting, I had to navigate through the construction that is soon to be Loganville’s town green and the thought struck me, he may no longer be the mayor, but his mark will always be very visible in the City of Loganville.

From the minute Mayor Nunley took office as mayor in 2009, he was critically aware of his role in the stewardship of the taxpayers’ money. Even though he offended some in the process, he quickly went through and figured out what was working and what wasn’t – what was nice to have and what was absolutely necessary. As a result, when the recession struck, Loganville was able to take the hit. Building permits didn’t come in as in previous years, sales taxes were down, property values dropped and the city revenues went down right along with them. But Loganville’s fiscal health has remained strong through it all. Many may not have realized it at the time, but Mayor Nunley earlier vision was very instrumental in making sure that happened.

The respect that Mayor Nunley has from everybody at City Hall is obvious – in the emotion in the council chambers when voting to accept his resignation - and in the words of those who have served alongside him.

“Ray Nunley’s service to this city has been exemplary, strong and powerful,” City Manager Bill Jones said, adding he was speaking not only as a city official, but also as a friend. "He went on to say that even though he would not be there on a day to day basis, Mayor Nunley's service would still be felt in the city.

Councilman Mike Jones, who has been known to clash with the mayor a time or two, said the clashes were always about what they each believed was best for the city.

“I’ve never questioned his loyalty,” Jones said. “When I am on my knees tonight, I will remember him in my prayers.”

Vice Mayor Dan Curry said that as they continue with the business of the city going forward, Nunley’s vision would be right there with them.

“We will continue to work on the tasks and on the track that he has set out for us in the coming years,” Curry said.

One of the things that bothered Mayor Nunley was that Loganville did not have a focal point. He wanted to see something in Loganville like the town square in Monroe. So, in his usual stride, he went about seeing how he could change that. The result is that construction I had to navigate through in downtown Loganville earlier today. It will soon be that focal point in Mayor Nunley’s vision.

In the coming weeks the landscape of Loganville will change in many ways, but there is no doubt that the mark of Mayor Ray Nunley will continue to be very visible.

Good luck in taking on this next challenge with your health Mayor. You have the support, love and respect of so many who are very grateful for your years of service to the City of Loganville.