Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones, Wednesday, read proclamations recognizing two City Council members who will not be returning to City Hall in January as servants to the community.

Councilperson Pat Simmons receives a plaque for her years of service to the Atlantic City Council from Mayor Dave Jones.

First up was 3rd Ward Councilperson Pat Simmons, who Jones said served on the Council from 1992-to 2000, and from 2004 until the end of this year, or a total of 16-years. Jones says she has also attended over 384 meetings of the City Council plus numerous committee meetings as a Council liaison various boards and committees. He said her considerable experience along with her “quiet nature” demonstrated the importance of good listening skills and emphasis, of using a few chosen words to make a point. Simmons jokingly said afterward, she was “Going to miss all those midnight phone calls,” from persons in her Ward.

Jones also recognized 1st Ward Councilman Kern Miller, who  served on the City Council since 1999, for a total over 12-years. Miller has attended over 300 meetings of the Council, as well as numerous Council committee meetings, also as a liaison to various boards and committees. The proclamation honoring Miller mentioned his ability to make sure the Council served the citizens of Atlantic as watchdogs for their tax dollars, and made light of his ability to draw attention to the Council proceedings when they were televised on the local cable access channel. He said Miller is “Independent in questioning the nature of, and challenging, the status quo part of fellow council members.” The proclamation said he “Often provided an alternative vision that sparked lively debate, and enriched the positive difficulties that undoubtedly increased the Channel 18 viewing audience.

Councilman Kern Miller receives his plaque from the Mayor.

Afterward, Miller expressed his appreciation to the residents in his Ward for allowing him to serve. Simmons and Miller received a plaque for their years of service. In January, newly sworn-in Councilpersons Ashley Hayes and Chris Jimmerson will take Simmons’ and Millers’ seats, respectively.