By John Brice
Correspondent
This past week City of LaFayette Councilman for District C Toney B. Thomas and Councilman for District D Michael C. Ellis attended the Alabama League of Municipalities 2024 Municipal Leadership Institute and Graduation/Awards Ceremonies in Orange Beach. Thomas and Ellis received specialized training, participated in informative workshops and each graduated from educational programs from which they received certifications as municipal officials.
On the certificates that they received it was stated that each councilman had “been awarded the designation of Certified Municipal Official upon completion of 40 credit hours of training in municipal government courses, on this, the thirtieth day of October, two thousand twenty four.” Signing the certificate was ALM Executive Director Gregory D. Cochran.
During the October 4th, 2024 City of LaFayette Council meeting Thomas recounted his experiences along with Ellis by remarking “I would just like to say that the 2024 Municipal Leadership Institute was held Wednesday October the 30th to Friday, November 1st 2024. On Wednesday, October the 30th of 2024, the graduation ceremony was held. Councilman Ellis and I were recognized as certified municipal officials. On Thursday, open sessions began and we were asked to return to questions. Attorney Tucker, you weren’t there. AI, artificial intelligence, was discussed, ballot state elections update and in attendance as well was Wes Allen who is the Secretary of State of Alabama. Rob Johnson, who is the Director of Legal Services for the ALM and Kaleb Beck who is the legislative counsel.”
Thomas went on to continue “On Friday, the sessions continued. Actually returned for more questions, still more training, workforce development. It was an honor to represent our city and it was an honor to receive certifications from ALM. Just wanted everyone to know that we learned a lot in those sessions, rules and regulations, laws are changing every day. You have got to stay on top of what you are doing.”
According to their official website, the ALM is a “nonpartisan membership association of over 450 incorporated cities and towns. Since 1935, the League has worked to strengthen municipal government through advocacy, training and the advancement of effective local leadership. As the recognized voice of Alabama’s cities and towns, ALM’s member municipalities benefit from a variety of member programs, services and activities that are impossible to accomplish alone.”
Kudos and congratulations were extended by colleagues and friends via social media with City Clerk Louis T. Davidson sharing a post which noted “Facebook, help me congratulate Councilman Toney Thomas and Councilman Mike Ellis Michael Ellis for being recognized as Certified Municipal Official Program graduates at the Municipal Leadership Institute in Perdido Beach!!” Councilman Ellis reflected on the experience through his own Facebook profile by remarking “God is so Good! Hard work and dedication to be a Better Public Servant!”
