Former Birmingham mayor returns to serve for another year

BIRMINGHAM — A familiar face is stepping back into the role of mayor of Birmingham: Therese Longe. 

At the regular Birmingham City Commission meeting on Nov. 18, the commission voted to appoint Longe as mayor. Longe was the only nominated candidate for the position; the vote was approved 5-1, with approval from all commissioners but Commissioner Brad Host. 

This appointment follows the resignation of former Mayor Elaine McLain on Nov. 18. The City Charter requires the commission to fill a resigned mayor’s seat within 30 days.

Commissioner and former Mayor Pro Tem Katie Schafer filled in for McLain beginning in late August. However, she expressed during the workshop that she did not want to be considered for a mayoral appointment. 

“I did a little soul searching to determine what I thought was the best next step, and have decided that I don’t think assuming the mayoral role next year will be best suited for me,” Schafer said during the workshop.  

“As you all know, I have a young family, I own and operate a business for which we have opened a second location, and in an attempt to give appropriate attention to all the things in my life, including the City Commission and the city of Birmingham, I think that I am not best suited to be the mayor.” 

Schafer shared that she thought Longe would be best suited to the mayor role at this time. 

Working with Longe and the rest of the City Commission will be the newly appointed Mayor Pro Tem Clinton Baller.

Baller and Commissioner Andrew Haig were both nominated by fellow commissioners for the role of mayor pro tem. Baller won the vote with support from Schafer, Longe, Commissioner Anthony Long and himself. 

Longe and Baller were both elected to the City Commission in 2019 and were reelected in 2023 to serve on the commission until 2027. Longe was nominated as mayor pro tem in 2019 and 2020 and as mayor in 2021, 2022, and now this year, 2024. 

Following her appointment as mayor, Longe thanked the commissioners, family and friends for their support.

“My hope is that over the next year, the commission will maintain the momentum of this past year and work collaboratively to move forward on issues of importance to our residents and our business owners,” Longe said. 

Baller thanked the commission for their support and said, “I am uncharacteristically speechless.”

While McLain was not in attendance at the Nov. 18 meeting, the commission celebrated her for her work as mayor through a presentation by Longe. 

“Mayor McLain’s service on the commission was distinguished by her commitment to professionalism, civility and inclusion,” Longe said. 

“During her tenure, she championed transparent processes, communication and teamwork. At each meeting, she worked to make sure that everyone was heard and respected. 

“So Mayor McLain, we thank you. We are delighted to present this plaque to commemorate your service to the city of Birmingham, and we will make sure it gets into your hands.” 

Next November, the City Commission will once again hold an organization meeting to elect a mayor and mayor pro tem amongst the commissioners.