DAPHNE, Alabama - Bailey Yelding, a 70-year-old Daphne native, long-time educator and 11-year city councilman, was appointed to serve as Mayor for the remaining one-year term vacated by Fred Small effective Oct. 17 at midnight.

Yelding said he considers the appointment a compliment to his career, and he will not seek reelection after the term expires in Nov. 2012. “I’m ecstatic, I’m elated, I’m just happy for (the Council) to think enough of me to select me to perform this task,” Yelding said.

Yelding acknowledged that is was historical that he was also Daphne’s first black mayor. “It feels wonderful. I’ve been in this county all my life, I’ve taught high school for 30 years and so there are a lot of generations that know me,” Yelding said. “I remember when this was just a city with just 1,200 people.”

Yelding was the third of four councilmen who were nominated to the position Monday, along with John Lake, Derek Boulware and Gus Palumbo. He was the first to receive the required majority Council vote with Lake, Scott, Palumbo and Cathy Barnette voting in favor of his appointment, and Kelly Reese and Boulware abstaining.

Speaking to the press afterward, Yelding said, “I will work hard to make this city go forward. I look forward to working with my fellow councilmen and believe we will work well together.” He confirmed that he did not intend to serve more than one year, adding that, “I think after 2012, I’ll go home and sit on the porch.”

Boulware later congratulated Yelding on the appointment. “I think nobody is better qualified, more fitting to assume the role of this position better than Councilman Yelding,” Boulware said. “Over the years of service to not only Daphne but the Eastern Shore, he’s proven himself more times than not. I’m proud of this.”

During the public participation portion of the meeting, Daphne resident Willie Robison congratulated Yelding, who may people refer to as “Coach.”

“Mayor Yelding is a man who has worked hard for the city for many years, a man who has represented his district with vigor and integrity, a man who has been a calming force through many council meetings, and a man who many people will be proud to call their mayor,” Robison said.

Fred Small initially announced his intention to resign Sept. 6. A previous attempt to replace him on Oct. 10 resulted in Barnette and Boulware failing to get a majority vote. Yelding’s appointment leaves a vacancy on the City Council for District 1, one which will require nominations to fill.