Outgoing Mount Vernon mayor urges unity, highlights staffing and infrastructure steps

In his final address to the council, the outgoing mayor said it had been "an honor" to serve for six years and thanked council members, staff, first responders and volunteers for their work. He urged the community to emphasize listening and cooperation after a contentious period: "If we replace arguing with listening, forgiveness, and cooperation, we can continue building the stronger community we all want." (Councilman Mark Huddleston had made similar remarks urging unity earlier in the meeting.)