May 22, 2019
Prayer breakfast recognizes Mayor Smith
The first time Robert Louis Smith ran for city council, he simply told the voters he was active in the community and knew the town. Nine years later, as he sought his fourth term, Smith said he had gained both experience and a passion for service. On Wednesday morning, approximately 100 people gathered to recognize Smith and mark a moment of change in Poplar Bluff history...
The first time Robert Louis Smith ran for city council, he simply told the voters he was active in the community and knew the town.
Nine years later, as he sought his fourth term, Smith said he had gained both experience and a passion for service.
On Wednesday morning, approximately 100 people gathered to recognize Smith and mark a moment of change in Poplar Bluff history.
Smith, 66, now in his fifth term, was selected in April to serve as mayor. He is the town’s first African American mayor. The Poplar Bluff mayor has been chosen by the city council from amongst its members since the town went to the city manager form of government in 1969.
“I’m not a person of lots of words. … I just want to thank everyone for being here and all the folks that made this possible,” Smith said. “If there’s anything I can do for anyone here, just let me know. Poplar Bluff is a wonderful place to live and let’s continue making it that way, and lets not make this a black, white thing. This is a Poplar Bluff thing.”
It was an honor to be recognized and to have everyone there, said Smith.
The mayor’s prayer breakfast was held at Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church with 11 former city mayors (see sidebar) also in attendance. They were joined by community members, current city council representatives, Butler County commissioners, law enforcement and other officials.
Smith has served on the council for many years and now is in the driver’s seat, Bishop Ron Webb said during the event.
“I just want you to know Robert, that we’re praying for you every day, as we pray for all of our mayors. I just want you to be encouraged and to know that you’ve got people standing behind you,” said Webb, of Mt. Calvary. “Don’t worry about critics. You’ll always have critics in the crowd. I believe it was Babe Ruth that said, the loudest boos come from the cheapest seats.”
Rep. Jeff Shawan, who organized the event with Webb, presented Smith with a proclamation which was read in the Missouri House of Representatives and recognized Smith’s work on the council.
“To me, we’ve filled this house and its symbolic of what has happened with our community, both in terms of progress and all the work that’s been done by you wonderful mayors,” Shawan (R-Poplar Bluff) told Smith and former mayors attending the event. “Thank you, each and every one of you for what you’ve done for Poplar Bluff. It is because of the work … (and) at the same time, our community comes together. We don’t judge each other by the color of our skin. This community is blessed that we have Mayor Robert Smith.”
United Gospel Rescue Mission prepared and served the breakfast.
Advertisement
Advertisement