FAIRHOPE, Ala. - The City Council reelected Lonnie Mixon as its president last week despite a challenge by longtime Councilman Mike Ford.

The council voted 3-2 to keep Mixon as its president, with Ford and Councilwoman Debbie Quinn voting for a change of leadership.

“As we start the third year of this council’s tenure, I see it as the time to work on building relationships and our sense of community,” Quinn read from a prepared statement at the Dec. 13 council meeting. “Mike Ford has been a seated council member for over 26 years, and I think it is time for him to lead us in this effort. In addition, doing this will give appropriate recognition to a person who has served our city for decades— far longer than the rest of us.”

After Mixon’s reelection, the council voted for Councilman Dan Stankoski as its pro tem, who fills in for the president during his absence.

Quinn served as council president after the council first took office in November 2008.

“During my year as council president, we established procedures and defined responsibilities to bring our city government into compliance with the state constitution,’ Quinn stated. “In the following year, Lonnie has overseen the overhaul of Fairhope’s financial controls and procedures.”

After the council meeting, Ford said Quinn called him about a week prior to the meeting with the idea for his nomination.

Ford’s nomination surprised some observers because he and Quinn often oppose each other on council issues.

The next city election for council members is in August 2014.