The Macomb City Council took time Monday night to honor outgoing Alderman At Large Don Wynn and retired City Administrator Dean Torreson. The council also welcomed its newest member: Alderwoman At Large Tammie Leigh Brown-Edwards.
Wynn served on the Macomb City Council for more than a decade. His bid to remain on the city council fell short during last month’s election.
Wynn spoke briefly after being presented his plaque by Mayor Mike Inman.
“I want to thank all of the citizens of Macomb for their belief and support of me,” said Wynn. “I’d like to thank the whole city council. Everyone on there has been like family.”
Inman then called up Torreson, who was sitting in the audience. Torreson used his time at the podium to acknowledge that this is not the first time he’s received a service plaque, saying it felt like déjà vu.
“I will put this one right next to the other one,” said Torreson, drawing laughter from the crowd. Torreson retired in early 2016 and returned to work for the city a few months later. “I’d like to thank Mayor Inman, the city council, all the employees of the city of Macomb. It’s been a real honor to come back and work for you.”
Shortly after honoring Wynn and Torreson, the Macomb City Council adjourned sine die and the new City Council was seated. Brown-Edwards is the one new face on the city council, defeating Wynn last month.
Brown-Edwards is the first woman and the first African American woman to serve as Alderwoman At Large. She said the significance is not lost on her.
“I have family members who had to pay to vote,” said Brown-Edwards. “My great-grandmother was a great-grandmother before she was able to vote. Now I am elected officially. So to have that history in my family to know that we came from people who really wanted to vote to have someone elected does not go wasted on me.”
Brown-Edwards said she will be accessible to residents and will bring their questions and concerns to the city council. She wants to provide more opportunities in Macomb for young people and to improve the local quality of life.
