Former Natchez Mayor Tony Byrne was recognized today with standing ovation by over 1000 MS Municipal Officials at the Mississippi Municipal League Awards Luncheon in Biloxi. He was presented the award by Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson who recapped the inspiring history of Mayor Byrne and his leadership of Natchez from 1968 – 1988.
Mayor Byrne served as President of the statewide municipal association from 1974 – 1975. He is the only Mayor of Natchez to be elected to this statewide position.
He shared words of wisdom as he graciously accepted the award from Mayor Gibson and current MML President Patti Pettit of Woodland. He was also congratulated by Shari Veazey, MML Executive Director.
Mayor Byrne provided crucial leadership to Natchez during the dark days of America’s Civil Rights moments, he used his influence to champion minority representation on the Municipal Association Executive Committee, resulting in the appointment of his friend and fellow mayor, Honorable Charles Evers of Fayette, MS.
During his speech Mayor Byrne shared an adage his mother frequently told him as a child, framing it as as good advice for any politician to this day: “Wash your feet every morning so they will be clean when you put them in your mouth!”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.