MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) — Mayor Paul Finley will lead his final ‘Celebrate Madison’ event on Thursday.
“It’s a little bit bittersweet,” he said. “The more you get into this and more breaking down offices and talking about handing over things, you recognize that the world will change.”
Coming soon, Mayor Finley will be a part of that change.
After three terms in office, he announced last year he would not seek re-election.
He said he wants to spend more time with family. As he headed into his last State of the City celebration Thursday night, he said he’s happy to have them by his side.
“Probably as proud as I will be is my boys will be there tonight as adults,” he said. “When I started, they were kids, and to me, that’s what Madison is. It’s a city that has matured, and our children are coming back because it’s someplace that they really enjoy living.”
At Celebrate Madison, he’ll discuss all the city’s accomplished this year and what’s next.
That includes more than 25 projects currently in the works, totaling over $74 million.
While Finley prepares to step back, Mayor-elect Ranae Bartlett is ready to step in.
“We’ve partnered to make sure that she has every piece of information and access that she needs,” he said.
Barlett is no stranger to Madison. She currently serves on the city council. Finley said he’s doing everything he can to ensure a smooth transition.
“You try to do the best that you can, so the minute that she takes over, she hits the ground running, and I think we’re doing as good a job collaboratively and collectively as we can,” said Mayor Finley.
Mayor Elect Ranae Bartlett will take office on Nov. 3.
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