JOHN DECKER BECOMES FIRST UNELECTED MAYOR OF WHITE HOUSE In early September 2005, John Decker, former Vice Mayor and alderman in White House, finally secured the position he had long thought rested in unfit hands. Stan McAfee, who was elected mayor in 2002, resigned under suspicious circumstances and John Decker quickly moved into the position to become the first appointed/unelected mayor of White House. Decker had long been an outspoken opponent of McAfee, thinking him unfit for the job of mayor, and was very saddened when his long-time friend, Billy Hobbs (who had served as mayor for 26 years), failed to be re-elected mayor in the last city election. City officials of White House have seen their political power base subject to constant erosion over recent years as swarms of new residents moved in and the population of White House literally exploded. The population of White House more than tripled between 1980 and 2000, increasing from 2,225 to 7,220. As in many small towns where the government council is comprised largely of long-tenured elected officials (or those appointed by such officials), there has been a tendency for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to be viewed as a "good old boys club." As one will notice when looking at the tenure of city aldermen, there is very little new or young blood in the crowd and those who seek to oppose the "old guard" are certain to face some nasty small town politics. For some watching all the shenanigans, the term "Peyton Place" might come to mind. Vice Mayor John Decker was sworn into the office of mayor after a resolution was passed ackowledging the resignation of Stan McAfee pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated 6-3-107(a). After Decker was sworn in, the board entertained nominations for a new alderman to replace his vacated appointment. Lisa Stickel, a local accountant, was nominated by Decker and approved by board members. She is the first woman to ever serve in the capacity of alderman in White House, board members said. "It is my pleasure to nominate someone to replace my position in my ward," Decker said. Hopefully, Alderman Stickel will be an independent free-thinker and able to perform her duties free of any political debts. Otherwise, we might just be looking at a continuation of the same old White House political dynasty. Only time will tell. Alderman Darrell Leftwich who seconded Decker's nomination of Stickel, said the board was very pleased and honored that Stickel would want to serve in the city. Amen! to that. And God bless her. Later in the meeting, long-term alderman Ferris Bibb, Jr. was nominated and approved to serve as the new Vice Mayor. The White House Board of Mayor and Aldermen regularly meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Billy S. Hobbs Municipal Building (not far from the John Decker police headquarters). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And now a word of good advice from the Good Book: "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petititons and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." I Timothy 2:1-2 So, whether we agree or disagree with our public officials, we should always remember to pray for them. After all, when you get down to it, aren't all of our homes, to one degree or other, a little dysfunctional? Pray that our leaders will have a reverence for God and His commandments. Pray that leaders will openly acknowledge the sovereignty of God Pray that our leaders will have the wisdom to preserve constitutional freedom for everyone, regardless of personal beliefs or lifestyles. Pray that our leaders will make decisions, pass laws and give legal opinions that will be in alignment with the Constitution and Biblical tenets. Pray for results that will allow everyone to live in peace.