Q: Why were former mayor, Les Bumgarner, and former aldermen, Dorsey Cameron and D.W. Maxwell, recognized by the current Board of Alderman in Dec. 2014?

A: Mary Wilson, Alderwoman for Ward 3 said the men were recognized for their service during their respective times in office on the Board of Alderman.

“This needs to continue on, but it just happened to start with them,” Wilson said.

Les Bumgarner served as mayor for five years, Dorsey Cameron served as Alderman for Ward 1 for 16 years, and D.W. Maxwell served 8 years as Alderman for Ward 5.

“We need to show appreciation for what they did when they were on the board,” Wilson said. “They accomplished a lot in the city.”

Alderwoman Wilson said that ideally the recognition would come after every election highlighting the work of those board members who did not return to the board.

“It would be to make sure they are recognized for their help to make Brookhaven a better place,” Wilson said.

Wilson said to the best of her knowledge this is the first of something like this to happen, but she hopes it continues long after she has left the board herself.