Outgoing Richardson City Council members say goodbye

by Andrew Laska of Richardson Echo

On Monday, the Richardson City Council had its bi-annual canvassing and swearing in of newly elected members. We have video of outgoing Council members Rhea Allison, Pris Hayes, and Dennis Stewart saying farewell to the large crowd in attendance.

Rhea Allison thanked his family and called his council term a "family job." Rhea Allison announced in December that he would not seek another term. He also said that one of the great privlidges on the city council was nominating Steve Mitchell to the Mayor's position.

Pris Hayes outgoing speech was the longest of outgoing and incoming members at about 5 minutes. She gave a list of activities she would stay involved in. Hayes exited immediately after giving her address.

Dennis Stewart thanked his supporters and and his family. he said he did not want to list names because he might miss someone "and that just wouldn't be right" he added. He challenged the incoming council to appoint a charter review commision to change the method of election of the mayor and he advised them deliberate the mayor openly rather than executive session.

The videos are posted below. Due the crowd and conditions some of the videos might be shaky. We apologize for this.