Hinkle Says Goodbye After 25 Years as Grayson's Mayor

Grayson Mayor Jim Hinkle and Councilwoman Katie Mitchell were recognized at their last city council meeting Monday (Dec. 16) as new elected officials were sworn in. 

Allison Wilkerson, the councilwoman who was sworn in as the new mayor that evening, presented plaques to Hinkle and Mitchell for their work and dedication to the city. 

See also: New Grayson Mayor, Council Members Take Oath of Office

"I've known Mayor Hinkle for over 30 years," Wilkerson said. "And I have enjoyed working with him on behalf of the city for the past 12 years. I will always be grateful for the time, energy and commitment he has always given the city of Grayson. As a strong leader, he has always encouraged me to think outside of the box, and while he has never shied away from a battle, I appreciated he has always fought for what and who he believes is right. I will always be thankful for the lessons and politics in life that I have learned from Jim."

Hinkle, who served as mayor for the last 25 years, also was the city attorney in 1979 and 1980. He's been a magistrate judge for Gwinnett County for the last 10 years and will continue to do it, saying it's "fun" and will keep him busy. 

He said his goodbye in his last mayor's report, thanking the council, previous councils and the citizens. 

"We could not have done what we've done to the city, to make it look like what it is now, the look and feel of the city, without good councils," he said. "I'm going to thank all the citizens of Grayson, [too]. They have been supportive of me and everything we've done in the councils for all these years and without the support of the citizens, it would have never gotten done, either."

He added: "It has been real pleasure being mayor and city attorney for all these years. ... It's kind of bittersweet to be leaving, but you know there's a time for everything, and this is the time. I can't think of what I need to say here really because it's been amazing."

In addition to the plaque, Wilkerson gave the former mayor his gavel. Since she was given on Election Day the gavel her father had used when he was mayor, she felt it was appropriate that she do the same for Hinkle.

He also was given a statue of an eagle by the Gwinnett Municipal Association as a going-away gift. 

"Thank you for all your years of service and I'm counting on you to continue as a magistrate court judge," said Chairwoman Charlotte Nash of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, who was at the meeting to present the oath of office to the new council members and mayor.

When recognizing Mitchell with her plaque, Wilkerson became tearful.

"Who knew when Katie Mitchell became a council member that she would also become a great friend?" said Wilkerson. 

Similar to Hinkle, Mitchell said her goodbye during her council report.

"I would just like to also thank the council and former council," she said. "It's been a pleasure to serve with all of you all. I'll still be around, but I'll just be on the fun side of the table. I look forward to what the new council continues to do here for Grayson."