The City of Monroe honored Mayor Marion Holloway, Council Member Lynn Keziah, and Council Member Freddie Gordon for their dedicated years of service during a reception on November 30, 2023 at the Dowd Center Theatre.
Mayor Holloway and Council Members Keziah and Gordon have dutifully served the residents of Monroe with professionalism, courtesy, and grace in their combined 60 years of service in public office. All three were honored with proclamations during the November 14 Strategic Planning Meeting.
All three were surprised during the reception by Fire Chief Ron Fowler, who designated the men as Honorary Fire Chiefs and presented them with their own plaques.
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“We wanted to do something just to say thank you,” said Fowler. “Members of the Monroe Fire Department are sincerely grateful for their support for our department and their service to the citizens of Monroe. We pray that God will bless them with a long and happy retirement.”
Mayor Holloway played a significant role in the development of both the Dowd Center Theatre and the Monroe Science Center Honoring Dr. Christine Mann Darden, enriching our community with cultural and educational opportunities for our residents and visitors. He was also instrumental in bringing national attention to the City this year when it was recognized as one of 16 jurisdictions, out of more than 200 applicants, by the National League of Cities and the U.S. Department of Labor to participate in the Good Jobs, Great Cities Academy.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to be involved in such a great City. We’re blessed to have Monroe as our home,” said Holloway.
Council Member Gordon’s commitment to public service has been long-standing, having served as a former member of the Planning Board and the Land Development Committee, among many other committees, contributing to the City’s future development and infrastructure. He has also been an exemplary champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the City of Monroe, actively contributing to the advancement of these principles throughout his life in public service.
“I love this City! I was born here, raised here, and operated a business with my family; that’s all I ever wanted out of it. To those who get elected and serve after me: I hope they’ll enjoy it as much as I have, and always put the City first,” said Gordon.
Council Member Keziah is one of the longest-serving members in the history of the City of Monroe having served over 40 years on City Council or as Mayor. Keziah has displayed unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership to our community over the years, being a strong supporter of the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport, Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center, Monroe Country Club, Monroe Corporate Center, and many other vital pieces of the City of Monroe. Council Member Keziah was also presented with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award by the Governor of North Carolina on January 9, 2018, one of the state’s highest civilian honors, in recognition of his exceptional service and dedication to the City.
“Thanks for the opportunity to represent Monroe for 42 years. It was nothing but pleasure. We’ve got a great city, and I’m sure with new people coming on it’s just going to get even better,” said Keziah.
“We owe these men our deepest appreciation and gratitude for their steady leadership, visionary prowess, and unfading commitment to the residents of Monroe over their impressive collective 60 years of dedicated service. Their legacy of leadership and passion for public service will continue to inspire us as we forge ahead into the future, building upon the strong foundation they have laid for Monroe's continued growth and prosperity,” said City Manager Mark Watson.
New City Council Members will take office on December 12, 2023.