‘We move forward:’ Southport swears in new aldermen, mayor

SOUTHPORT (WWAY) — In Southport, a new Board of Aldermen is seated, including a new mayor.

Aldermen Tom Lombardi and John Allen left dais Thursday evening, after losing their seats in November’s election.

Marc Spencer and Rebecca Kelley were sworn in as new aldermen, and Lowe Davis was sworn in, again, after winning re-election.

Doctor Joe Pat Hatem also left his position as mayor, after losing to Rich Alt by only two votes.

“We move forward,” he said in parting. “I think this board has laid the foundation for continued progress and growth. If this board just follows that path, they will do very well.”

Alt followed with similar sentiments, saying “We have to find common ground and move forward.”

“As we talked about many times, we’ve got forty or forty-one major projects and there are always new projects being added to it,” he added. “We have to bring modern business practices to the city.”

Everyone leaving their positions, as well as those being sworn in to new ones, received standing ovations.

Prior to winning the election, Alt was serving a four-year term as alderman.

The board appointed Frank Lay to fill his seat.