Although their last official day isn’t until Tuesday (Dec. 31), Decatur commissioners Scott Drake and Brian Smith attended their final board meeting shortly before Christmas. Among the sparse crowd attending were two of the city’s elder statesmen, former longtime commissioners Fred Boykin and Jim Baskett, who was also mayor for three years.
“I just wanted to come up here and personally thank both of you for your service,” said Boykin, who retired from the commission Dec. 2017, after 17 years (Baskett served for 20).
Drake and Smith announced months ago they were stepping down for mostly similar reasons, primarily the complexities of balancing the commission with professional and family life. Both also agree the commission workload has become more demanding, particularly with the ever-growing role played by social media.
“It’s my time to go now,” Smith told the AJC, though adding he wouldn’t “rule out” running again in the future.
Meantime Drake stopped short of expressing any desire to return as a commissioner, though he said, “I could participate, or have a particular impact in other [public] areas—I can serve on committees.”
Smith served one term (four years), while Drake joined the commission after winning a March 2013, special election.
Their replacements are George Dusenbury and Lesa Mayer, who get sworn in on Jan. 6.
About the Author
