Heartfelt speeches as Brentwood mayor, aldermen retire

Monday’s Brentwood Board of Aldermen meeting was the last one for Mayor Pat Kelly, Ward I Alderman Anthony Harper, Ward II Alderman Lee Wynn and Ward III Alderman Keith Robertson. City business was taken care of in about 30 minutes, before the officials were recognized and the meeting adjourned for a reception.

Harper, who served as  Ward I alderman for seven years, said he tried to follow advice from Lee Wynn, which was to vote your conscience, and to scratch your nose when someone on the other side of the room was talking so it wouldn’t be on camera.

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Robertson, who served 14 years as Ward III alderman and seven before that on planning and zoning, said, “It’s a process. It’s not due to one of us; it’s due to all of us, and I hope we’ll have a lot more harmony from this point on.”

Lee Wynn served as Ward II alderman for a total of 24 years. He said he came to Brentwood in 1958 to teach, and coach football. His service to the school and the city is more than 50 years. “It was a joy. This is the greatest city to live in. We had our ups, we had our downs, but I made good friends here.” he said. “I know that the young man that is going to take my place is a very fine, very qualified young man.”

Mayor Pat Kelly gave an emotional speech to end the meeting.

“One of my favorite movies every year, and my kids will attest to this, is, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ and I believe that about this community, and I want to thank you for allowing me to serve as your mayor…That’s why I didn’t want this (he said as he halted)… because I truly believe it’s not about the mayor, it’s about the community, and it’s about what we do as a group, as opposed to about any one individual does. And thank you for that opportunity.”