The following Farewell speech was made by Mayor Becky Miller on her last day in the office on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.
I was not able to attend the event, as I am sitting by my wife, who could embark on the eternal journey towards the lord any time now.
Becky is a compassionate and caring individual who has served her office of the Mayor very well. I was hoping she would be re-elected, as she ran a clean campaign as promised to Darla and myself. I was hoping the average Carrolltonian had made it to the booth, but we have to accept the verdict of those who did make it to the polls. This is our system and we honor it.
Congratulations to Ron Branson, I hope he will continue to carry the prosperity goals for Carrollton and embrace Carrollton's tradition of diversity that Becky Miller has established. Farewell to Becky Miller, she was one of the best Mayors we have had and her contributions to our City' economic prosperity and diversity are appreciated and remembered for years to come.
Mike Ghouse
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I feel honored and extremely fulfilled to have been able to kick off my career as a civil servant in my roles as City Council Member and the Mayor of the great city of Carrollton. I owe my priceless and thoroughly rewarding opportunity to my friends, supporters and professional colleagues who worked tirelessly on my campaigns, in the office and most importantly out in the community – where everything happens. I am thankful that I know each of you.
As I officially exit this important post, I am truly proud to be able to stand here before all of you knowing my team ran a clean and honorable campaign – solely focusing on the issues that are key for our citizens and my proven record of excellence. The role of Mayor is nonstop service – requiring stamina, time, integrity and patience. And my service to each of you and this city has been recognized at the regional, state and national levels.
During my tenure as mayor, I have been able to bring people together from different ethnic, social and religious backgrounds – celebrating our cultural differences, yet working together for a common cause – helping to ensure that Carrollton reflects this country – a melting pot full of opportunities for growth.
As long as we continue our city’s long-standing tradition of welcoming diversity and treating people with the humanity and sensitivity that makes Carrollton a cultural leader – our city will continue to reflect the diversity and progress for which our state and country are known. It’s basic, people don’t stay where they don’t feel welcome. I love the way it feels to be in Carrollton and it’s my hope that the legacy that my team has celebrated and maintained – which embraces cultural diversity and progress – isn’t snuffed out – because it could indeed destroy a spirit that many (even before me) helped build.
I look forward to seeing a Council with committees, boards and commissions that reflect a spectrum of diversity.
I especially thank all of the employees of the City of Carrollton who continue to work tirelessly for our city. I hope each of you knows how much I have enjoyed working with you over the past 10 years. I would especially like to thank Vicki Gomez for taking such good care of me – you were a consistently welcoming spirit who treated all who reached out to the Mayor’s office with the dignity and professionalism they deserved. I also appreciate and sincerely thank Leonard Martin for being such a visionary. It was a real pleasure working with him. He has done so many wonderful things for the City. I trust the Council won’t lose the great resources we have built over these years.
I also want to recognize our first responders. Our police and firefighter are the best in the state and they protect this city with tireless dedication. I would like to thank the Police and Firefighters Association for their endorsements, and for believing in me. Chief James and Chief Murphy are two of the finest, most professional chiefs that I have ever known. We continue to win awards on the state and national level for the different initiatives that we have implemented. We are one of the safest cities in the state and nation, and one of the best cities to live in the United States -- a fact that was never in debate.
I wish the council members all the best. I have been truly blessed to have served with them, and know they will continue to work toward the vision we have worked together to set forth for the City. I will continue to stay involved in the community. Through my faith, I know that God has a new plan for me. While my assignment as Mayor is now complete, I look forward to the new plan He is laying out for my family and me.
Lastly, I would like to thank my family for all of their love and support. Thank you for generously sharing me with the city and supporting my passion as Mayor. I will now have more time to spend with my family, which is happening already! I was able to succeed as Mayor and give my all to my city because my loving husband Jerry was by my side every step of the way. I truly love and appreciate him and would not be who I am without him.
God knew just who I needed to fulfill Part 1 of my destiny. And I’m blessed that Jerry and I will explore my new journey together as well. He is my rock.
Thank you all again, and I love all of you and I’ll see you around one of the safest cities in North Texas and a city that is nationally recognized as the 19th best place to live in the United States.
Thank you so much and I’ll see you around town!
