It was “hail and farewell” to one aldermen and “welcome” to another as the West Jefferson Board of Aldermen conducted an organizational meeting Monday night. The board bid Jerry McMillan goodbye after a four-year term, and welcomed newly elected Alderman Lester Mullis along with re-elected Aldermen Calvin Green and Stephen Shoemaker.

McMillan bid the board farewell with words of thanks for being allowed to serve.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the town where I grew up and live,” he said. “There have been good crowds at the meetings, so something must be interesting.” He thanked the public for attending, and the town staff for their support.

McMillan said he’s seen a lot of improvement over the years and the town is moving in the right direction. He also congratulated Lester Mullis for his election saying that he is a well-thought of merchant and citizen and he is confident that he will do a great job.

Following McMillan’s address, Ashe County Clerk of Court Pam Barlow administered the oath of office to Calvin Green and Stephen Shoemaker, re-elected in November, and to Lester Mullis, newly elected to the board.

Each of the aldermen spoke of McMillan’s service and wished him well, and made comments about the upcoming term.

“We haven’t always seen eye to eye, but we’re friends and always have been,” said Alderman Calvin Green of Jerry McMillan. “I hope with his interest in politics he will pursue other offices.”

Alderman Tom Hartman also thanked McMillan for his service, and he welcomed Mullis to the board. “Welcome to the fire,” he said. “I hope you’ll enjoy it.”

Alderman Brett Summey said that he was sure that with his concern for the issues, McMillan would no doubt be involved with the town in the future.

Mullis said to McMillan, “You left some really big shoes to fill, and I’ll do my best to fill them.”

And Alderman Stephen Shoemaker who was elected to the board with McMillan, said they had been friends pretty much all their lives. “I grew up with Jerry,” he said. “I believe our dads would have been proud of us. There are so many for whom Jerry has worked to help make a difference. He’s been my right hand man and will be sorely missed, but he lives nearby so I’m sure I’ll see him around. I’ve known Lester and his family. They are good folks and I’m proud of Lester. I know he’ll serve well. We need all the help we can get, and I know we’ll get it.”

Mayor Dale Hudler also praised McMillan for his service, thanking him for his “enthusiasm, involvement and persistence,” and his work on various boards with the town. “I appreciate the responsibility he has shown as an alderman of the town,” Hudler said.

In other business, Alderman Brett Summey was re-elected as mayor pro tempore.