Becker says goodbye to City Council

Kyle Becker said goodbye to the Apopka City Council last night.

"...All good books come to an end. And while I'm not at the end of my personal book, tonight marks the closing of a spectacular chapter in my life," Becker said at the closing of the April 20th City Council meeting.

Becker vacated Seat #4 on the City Commission in order to run for Mayor of Apopka. It was an election he lost by less than 500 votes to incumbent Mayor Bryan Nelson. Commissioner-Elect Nick Nesta will serve the remaining two years on Becker's return after winning a special election for Seat #4.

"You've challenged us," said Nelson during the meeting. "You've made us better. You've made a difference here in Apopka, and I hope we've not seen you for the last time. We want to thank you for your six years of service. Congratulations on whatever the next role is for you."

"Tonight is about our friend Commissioner Kyle Becker," said Commissioner Diane Velazquez. "I want to say this... I've worked with you through my first term as a commissioner. I called you my little Einstein, because the one thing I will say about him was his strength with data, and financials. That will be a void up here on the dais, and I hope Commissioner-Elect Nick Nesta will kind of fill that void a little bit. You have been such a mentor, and a friend, and the most important thing for me, being the only female up here, was the respect I received from you. I was always your equal, and I appreciate that. And for me, that has always been important."

"We came in at the same time, and it was so fun being the vertically challenged one of the two," said Commissioner Doug Bankson. "I appreciate that you're going to help me not feel so short. But it was the thoughtfulness and the depth that you've sought to bring to everything. It's what each person brings that really helps us come to good conclusions. There are differing viewpoints, but I think that is healthy. I think that's good. And I think that we've always sought to utilize all of those things and really come to the best conclusion that each of us feel convicted for. It's been a joy working together."

"I've always been taught you can always measure a man by his handshake," said Commissioner Alexander H. Smith. "Your handshake has always been strong. And I told you as we began this meeting one good thing about your departing is now I become the tallest man on the Council. But watching you and observing the things that you have done while on the council, I have a special place in my heart for the students. And when I noticed that you were giving the scholarship that you gave to students, that was one of the things that I picked up, I stole from you. And so I began to do the same thing. And it's just a pleasure to be able to stand on the stage with you and be able to reward students for their outstanding work. When you invest in our youth, you invest in our future. And so I know that you have a lot more work to do that's ahead of you and just continue to be the man that you are."

Earlier in the day, Becker also posted a farewell message on his Facebook page.

"Tonight I say farewell to the people of Apopka’s Seat 4. I have loved every second of my service over the last 6 years. Through good times and challenges it allowed me to grow as a man. Thank you for the privilege Apopka!"

The post received 309 "likes" and 109 comments as of 11pm Wednesday night.

Becker closed his emotional remarks with a look back at his terms in office, and a look to the future for Nesta, his predecessor.

"Over my tenure as Commissioner, I helped shape practical policy and  always strived to get the right answer or outcome not necessarily the  quickest. Success comes in small and large forms, and I celebrated many during my two terms such as creating the Seat 4 Good Scholarship, starting Family Portrait Day, as well as donating all of my first term salary to various causes and charities throughout Apopka, but the thing I took most pride in was being responsive to the people who  allowed me to serve as their representative. Whether you were old Apopka, new Apopka, Black or White, Republican or Democrat, if you  reached out for a need of any size, or simply wanted to meet for a conversation…it happened. I met many great people as a result, and should be the non-negotiable expectation you have of every elected  representative. I’ve grown so much as a person over the last six years, and have made  lifetime friendships and for that I will be eternally thankful to the  residents of Apopka. Thank you, and I wish Commissioner-elect Nick Nesta all the best carrying on the Seat 4 legacy."

Photos in body of text are by Apopka resident Ed Anderson, www.etsy.com/shop/WallPhotoArtByEd