Video: There’s A New Mayor In Town

ALICEVILLE, Al. (WCBI)- Aliceville, Alabama will soon have its first African-American and first female mayor.

District 3 councilwoman Marva Gipson will serve as the town’s new mayor.

Gipson may be new to her role as mayor, but she’s a very familiar in Alicville.  Gipson was born and raised there, and said it’s a great feeling to be able to become the mayor in her hometown.

“It feels like a million dollars sweetheart, it feels great,” said Gipson.  “I feel that I’m qualified for the job.”

Gipson was facing Edgar Pruitt in a runoff, however, town officials say Pruitt dropped out of the race this past Friday.

Prior to getting elected as mayor, Gipson served as a councilwoman for over 30 years. She believes the experience she’s gained as a councilwoman will help her tremendously as she takes over the top spot in her hometown.

“Really it’s nothing new, I’ll probably have more responsibilities, but I’m ready, by the grace of god I’m going to do what I need to do as long as it’s legal,” the newly elected mayor said.

Bill McKinzey is the current mayor of Aliceville, but will be stepping down after serving in that role for 20 years.

“I wish her good luck,” he said.

McKinzey believes Gipson is exactly what the city needs.

“She’s excited about it and I think it’s a new day for our city and it’s time for a change,” said McKinzey.

Gipson said she already has a few ideas on changes she’d like to bring to the city.

“Well I would like to see Aliceville with some department stores, some hotels, and recreation for students especially when school is out,” said Gipson.

The newly elected Mayor said she’d like to increase the growth in her town.

Gipson is currently putting together a plan to fulfil these needs.

However she knows it’ll take patience and a little help from the community to help Aliceville become the city she wants it to be.

“What I plan to do is ask some of the residents to get together and we have a town hall meeting and we just list some of the things want and some of the things we need,” she said.

On Wednesday, Aliceville council members called a special meeting and awarded Gipson a certificate of election.

Gipson will officially take the oath of office in November.