Clubhouse

Kiwanians sweep local elections

Kiwanian—and Mayor—Bill Ham tends to his work on behalf of the city of Auburn, Alabama.

A citizen of Auburn, Alabama, addresses the mayor and city council, most of whom are Kiwanians.

When the newly elected Auburn, Alabama, city council conducted its first meeting this past October, it had all the trappings of a Kiwanis club meeting, and with good reason: Five of the city’s eight council members are members of the Kiwanis Club of Auburn. And not only that, but calling the meeting to order was fellow Kiwanian Bill Ham, who was elected to his third term as mayor.

The newly elected city leaders were recognized at the Kiwanis club’s first meeting after the fall elections. In addition to Mayor Bill, they include councilmen Brent Beard, Gene Dulaney, Tom Worden, Robin Kelley, and Bob Norman.

Though such a Kiwanis majority probably could not have been anticipated, club member Gene Stevenson insists it is reasonable, considering the leadership history of the 78-year-old club in its community.

“Bill is the third club member to serve as mayor since the city shifted from the commission to the mayor-council form of government in 1955,” Gene explains.

During the club’s early years, Gene continues, seven club members served on Auburn’s city commission between 1928 and 1955, and 10 others have served on the city council between 1955 and 2006.