(BEDFORD) – Today is Bedford Mayor Shawna Girgis last day serving the residents of Bedford. Below is her last statement as mayor:
Serving as the Mayor of Bedford has been the greatest honor of my life.
It has been my privilege to serve our citizens and advocate on behalf of our community.
I have much to be grateful for as I recall the challenges we’ve overcome, and the victories celebrated over the last twelve years. Bedford was impacted by the economic recession but has seen local industry recover and grow. 2013 was an amazing year as Bedford applied for and was selected as an Indiana Stellar Community that ultimately brought $38 million in investment to our community. Bedford was also selected as the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Community of the Year in 2013 that brought statewide recognition to the accomplishments of our community.
Much has been accomplished from downtown investment and revitalization; road construction; trail and park development; initiating the Bedford Half Marathon; affordable housing construction; creating shelter for men, women, and children who are in need; promoting education and workforce development, initiating youth leadership opportunities, and implementing city planning to name a few. I sincerely thank those that helped me win each election and those that work with me each day, as well as local, state, and national leaders that have helped Bedford accomplish so much in such little time.
I am thankful. Thankful for opportunities, thankful for God’s protection and unmerited favor, thankful that work has been accomplished to strengthen our community, and thankful for the progress made.
I have been blessed. Blessed to have a wonderful family that supports me and has served with me. Blessed to have incredible people serve with me on the Bedford City Council, Board of Works, as department heads, employees, and faithful community members. Blessed to be able to leave Bedford better than I found her. Blessed to have life-long friends that I otherwise would have missed. Blessed to have served as your Mayor.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Together we have built a better Bedford. I pray the Bedford building never ends and that the accomplishments of the future make those of the past seem small.
In Service,
Shawna M. Girgis
