FAIRHOPE – The Fairhope City Council could vote as early as Monday, March 8 on a new council member to complete the term of Robert Brown, who resigned Feb. 22.
Brown announced his resignation at the last City Council meeting. He said he was moving outside the city limits and would not be eligible to serve on the council.
“I believe there is a purpose and time and that things happen for a reason,” Brown said. “We might not understand at the moment why, but if we put our trust in God, he will reveal it to us when it’s time. There is a reason I’ve been given the honor to serve the city of Fairhope for the last four years. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I might change a few things. I’ve had an opportunity present itself that is truly a one-time opportunity and felt me and my family had to take it. I’ve struggled with this decision because it forces me to do something I don’t want to do. I’ll be moving outside the city of Fairhope corporate limits and therefore effective immediately following this meeting, I’ll resign from my position as city of Fairhope council place 4.”
Council members praised Brown for his work in his four years on the council.
“You’ve been an ally most of the time up here,” Council President Jack Burrell said. “When we disagreed, you disagreed with me and I respect you for that. You always made the decision that you thought was best in heart.”
Place 5 Councilman Kevin Boone sat next to Brown for his term.
“I’d just like to say it’s been an honor and a privilege to serve with Councilman Brown and I regard him as a close friend and I’m sure his decision was not taken lightly and it’s for the best for him and his family and I applaud it, but he will be sorely missed,” Boone said.
Fairhope’s newest City Council member, Corey Martin, said Brown provided a great deal of advice and assistance when he was elected to the position in 2020.
“Before I became a city councilman, I called on Robert to help me,” Martin said. “There was no hesitation. He didn’t know me from Adam or Eve.”
Martin said people around Fairhope have praised Brown’s work on the council.
“My short time knowing him has been a pleasure,” Martin said. “I’ve been blessed by him, his wisdom and kindness and his high character and I really, really, really hate that he’s leaving.”
Brown said the remaining four members will decide who will take his seat on the council, but that he recommended Jay Robinson. Robinson was the Place 1 council member until 2020 when he decided to not run for re-election.
Burrell said other council members have also suggested Robinson, but no formal discussions have taken place.
