- April 18, 2024
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Everyone laughs as Mayor Ed Kelley is presented with an oversize replica of the city’s official watch. Also shown are Kelley’s wife, Mary Margaret, and City Commissioner James Stowers and his wife, Andraea. Photo by Wayne Grant
Mayor Ed Kelley is shown with his wife, Mary Margaret, at his final City Commission meeting as mayor. Photo by Wayne Grant
A City Commission that has been unchanged for six years had their final meeting together Nov. 1. Mayor Ed Kelley and Commissioner James Stowers will end their terms upon next week’s election.
Kelley is running for Volusia County chair and will be replaced by Mayor-Elect Bill Partington. Stowers is not running for re-election, and his seat is being contested.
Kelley and Stowers were honored with a presentation, which included giving a large replica of the city’s official watch to Kelley. Regular meeting-goers shared a laugh, because when Kelley presented Ormond Beach watches to others through the years, he would joke that he didn’t have one.
Stowers, who has been a commissioner for six years, thanked his wife, Andraea, for being a sounding board, saying they would have a second “commission meeting” after every meeting at home.
“It’s been fantastic,” he said. “We’ll miss it.”
Stowers said it was a hard decision, but there were many demands on his time by work and family. He said he enjoyed working with people who care about the community.
Kelley said he could not be prouder to have served with the present City Commission, city manager and the city employees.
“It couldn’t get any better,” he said. “It’s been a privilege.”
Commissioner Rick Boehm said he has known a lot of leaders, but never saw one do a better job than Kelley.
“When he disagrees with you, he does it with a smile,” he said.
