Tonight was all about the changing of the guard. We said farewell to Mike Simpson and Matt Lafata and welcomed new Mayor Maher Maso and Council Member Scott Johnson. Council Member Jim Joyner will be serving another month while we await the results of the runoff election. Although we are sad to see them go, we are also excited about our new team with Mayor Maso and Scott Johnson. There is no question that Mayor Maso will continue the high level of excellence that our Frisco Mayors have displayed. I look forward to working along side both or them.
The evening began with a special tribute to the Simpsons as we dedicated the Plaza in front of City Hall in honor of Mike and Sandy Simpson. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute than to have Simpson Plaza in front of the George Purefoy Municipal Center. We then moved inside to continue the tribute. Mike had a very touching tribute to Sandy that included photos of them over the last 6 years. The significant others of the Council Members cannot get enough credit for the support they give us to allow us to serve the City in this manner. I know I could not do it without the support of my wife, Dana.
I want to again thank Mike for being such an outstanding role model for me as a Council Member. When I was elected, we went on our first work session less than a week later. From the very beginning, Mike welcomed fellow Council Member David Prince and myself and encouraged us to share our ideas. We were a part of the “team” from day one. That is the mark of a leader. I said at the meeting last night that when I get asked what a Mayor is supposed to do and act like, I simply respond by saying “Mike Simpson.” Frisco has been so lucky to have Mike as a Mayor. I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to serve with him. I consider Mike a dear friend, a role model, and one of the most influential persons in my life. Sandy has been a wonderful role model for my wife Dana and a fitting second mom to me. Mike and Sandy Simpson are some of the most wonderful people I know. Although I know they will be active in Frisco, I will miss seeing them on a daily basis and working alongside both of them.
I also want to thank Dr. Jim Joyner for being a good friend and mentor to me as well. I sat next to Jim for the last year and we quickly became good friends. If you do not know Jim then you need to know that he enjoys the title of resident comedian. If you ever saw me start laughing at a Council meeting, it was likely because Jim just whispered one of his one liners to me. Jim likes to make jokes at my expense, I think because I also have a good sense of humor and can laugh at myself. He always follows them with the statement that “you will miss me when I’m gone.” He is right about that. Although Jim and I disagreed on a few issues, we were able to sit down and have active debates for hours at a time. At all times we respected each others opinions and I think we learned from each other. I will miss having Jim on the Council. Thank you Jim for being a great mentor for me and a good friend as well.
Following the tribute, Scott and Maher were sworn in and then we took a break for cake. We should serve cake more often as the attendance tonight was incredible! The agenda was short tonight but there are still a few things many of you would be interested in knowing.
