Longtime Eufaula mayor won't seek re-election - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Eufaula's longest-serving mayor has officially announced he is not seeking re-election to the City's top position. Jay Jaxon, Jr. made it official Thursday when he announced he will not seek a sixth term as chief executive officer of the City of Eufaula.

Jaxon was first appointed to City Council to fill the seat vacated by Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Eugene C. Parker when Mayor James C. Clark resigned in 1978. He served out the remaining two years of the term. In 1984, he was elected to City Council and was named president of the governing body. On August 19, 1986, Mayor Hamp Graves died in office and Jaxon became mayor of Eufaula. In the 1988 election, Jaxon did not seek re-election. However, he has been returned to office in the 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008 elections, making him the longest serving mayor in the history of the City of Eufaula.

Prior to his service as mayor and council member, Jaxon also served as a member of the Eufaula Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustment, as well as in numerous other civic capacities. Jaxon has been personally recognized by Business Alabama magazine as one of seven favorite mayors from across the state.

Under his leadership as mayor, Eufaula became Audubon International's first sustainable city, and was also named one of the Top 100 Retirement Communities in the United States as well as one of 20 Southern Dream Towns by Garden and Gun magazine. Eufaula has also been recognized as being among the top 100 cities in America and is nationally recognized for its Eufaula 2020 strategic planning process.

Recently the City received the prestigious Alabama Communities of Excellence designation and an A+ financial rating from Standard and Poor.

"I am very grateful to the people of Eufaula for the opportunity to serve for these many years," Mayor Jaxon stated. "Your support and many kindnesses are so greatly appreciated."

"Our accomplishments have resulted from team efforts and I certainly want to acknowledge the Councils with which I have served, city staff and employees, as well as the many, many community volunteers that make such a difference," he continued. "Eufaula's future is strong. I would simply encourage community-wide support and effort for the next administration."

Jaxon concluded, "I will continue in my role with J.J. Jaxon Company, a family business specializing in cemetery and public memorials, historic markers and sculpture for the public and corporate clients. While I will remain active in the community, I will enjoy more time with my family, especially my five grandchildren."

INFORMATION SOURCE: City of Eufaula