Bob Washington, Ward 4, took the oath of office for the first time Tuesday during Fulton's City Council meeting.
He was joined by returning city council members Ballard Simmons, Ward 1, and John Braun, Ward 3. Ward 2's Mary Rehklau was unable to attend and will be sworn in at a later date.
After the swearing-in, the council took their seats and moved on to council concerns. Some of Washington's first words as a City Council member were an expression of gratitude to his former election opponent, outgoing Ward 4 councilman Steve Moore.
"I'd like to personally thank Steve for your service and for representing Ward 4 as you did," he said. "As I said earlier, I've voted for you several times. And thank you for the support for our church you've done a great job."
Gratitude for Moore proved a theme of the meeting. Moore first ran for mayor in 1984 to address an issue with sidewalks in his ward, and he's been on the council ever since.
He outlasted seven mayors, two city clerks - including Carolyn Laswell, who was present in the audience Tuesday - and the vast majority of other city staff. He earned a Certified Municipal Official designation from the Missouri Governance Institute. He also served as deputy mayor, council liaison to many city boards and commissions, and a resolutions committee member for the Missouri Municipal League.
Mayor Lowe Cannell read a resolution recognizing Moore's many years of service.
"The mayor and city council on behalf of the citizens of the city desire to convey an expression of our sincere gratitude and appreciation for Steve's many years of faithful and valuable service rendered to this community, along with his innumerable contributions on behalf of the citizens he as served," Cannell said. "The impact of Steve's time as a city councilman is undeniable, remarkable and unparalleled."
He presented Moore with a wooden plaque containing the resolution.
"In 36 years, I've met a lot of wonderful people I've had a good relationship with all my department heads and I'd like to thank each one of y'all," Moore said.
Interim Fulton city engineer Kyle Bruemmer said one of his favorite things about Moore is his willingness to talk through every angle of a problem and seek other perspectives.
"It's been a beautiful ride, and I think you have a good person that's going to take over for me," Moore said. He offered some advice for his successor: "In working with other people and being nice to them, you'll learn they can be a great help. I think the City of Fulton has one of the most wonderful staffs."
Washington, voted in during the June 2 election, is the pastor of Fulton Church Of God In Christ in Fulton. Born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, he graduated from Topeka High School and later received a physical education degree from Ottawa University. Upon moving to Fulton, he was employed to teach at the Missouri School for the Deaf, where he remained for 32 years.
He's received many awards for his efforts in education and community service. He leads by example, encouraging the members of Fulton COGIC and others to grow and develop into disciples for the Lord. Washington is married to Ella (Cole) Washington. After 39 years, they have had two sons, two daughters and eight grandchildren.
Moore said he's not sure what he'll do with those two extra free nights a month, but one thing is for sure: The City Council hasn't seen the last of him.
"I'll be back about the grass - about people not mowing their lawns," he laughed. "It's been my pet peeve for 36 years."
Also during the meeting, the City Council appointed Braun as deputy mayor by unanimous vote.