Claire Stone to succeed Hudgins as mayor pro tem of Ocilla
The unfortunate death of Mayor Horace Hudgins occurred last week, and although sad, Mayor Pro-Tem Claire Stone says she's the woman for the job.
OCILLA, Ga. – The unfortunate death of Mayor Horace Hudgins occurred last week, and although sad, Mayor pro tem Claire Stone says she’s the woman for the job.
“No one sitting in mayor pro tem seat ever expects to actually be the acting mayor, especially under these circumstances, it came as a big shock,” said Claire Stone, Mayor pro tem, Ocilla.
But who is Claire Stone?
“I’m a school teacher here in Irwin County and my kids are so important to me, I love my job, and I can’t ever imagine not being their teacher,” Stone said.
But, for the time being Claire says she’s ready to give it her all…
“Right now I just want to make sure that the community stays together and is united in all of this, we have had a lot of support in this time because no expects to lose their leader mid term,” Stone said.
Claire also plans to pick up right where Mayor Hudgins left off…
“One initiative I know that Mr. Hudgins was working towards was making sure our city is doing the best financially and I just want to make sure that we continue to push forward that way,” Stone said.
But what matters most is…
“I do feel that the world has equipped me and has shown me how to love my community so I feel like I’m a good person for the job,” Stone said.
Cameron Sanders reporting.
Copyright 2023 CBS 44 South Georgia. All rights reserved.
