SPANISH FORT— Starting in November, Spanish Fort will have a new mayor, Mike McMillan, a former city councilman who ran unopposed for the job.

McMillan, a Mobile native, moved to Spanish Fort in 1985, after marrying his wife Patricia. They have two children, Barbara and Angelle, who both graduated from Spanish Fort High School. He has been on the city council since 2004 and has served the council as Chairman Pro Tempore since 2008.

“I have served our city for the past 12 years considering committee assignments and involvement in the affairs of our community,” said McMillan on why he wanted to run for mayor. “We live in a special place that deserves the attention and enthusiasm of delivering the potential of our community. I want to continue and enhance the opportunity we have at hand.”

McMillan has served on numerous city committees including vice chairman of the Planning Commission, Kids Park Committee, Eastern Shore Center CID and the Spanish Fort Educational Enrichment Foundation. Previous mayor Joe Bonner decided not to seek another term and McMillan stepped up to fill the spot.

“We have been blessed with outstanding leadership that has put our city in a positive position,” McMillan said of the previous administration. “We must continue on our course of fiscal conservatism that has put our city in a very positive position.”

He has big plans for the city. Despite being a relatively new city, Spanish Fort has seen a lot of growth over the past few years. McMillan said one goal of his administration will be to continue growing the city’s amenities that are available to residents.

“We will continue to develop our city center, the city complex which will include a library, senior citizens center and administrative center to house city departments. City recreation is an issue that has to be addressed along with the issues of continued management of city growth,” McMillan said. “We must move forward with the enhancement of the entrance to our city, the Causeway, by continuing the cleanup, along with enhancing this area with additional lighting and beautification without encroaching on the natural environment we cherish.”

McMillan said his favorite thing about Spanish Fort is the people and their progressive attitude.

“My favorite thing about this city is the spirit of our citizens and the belief that our city can be a special place that develops outstanding students and moves our city forward in a positive way.”

McMillan will take office on Nov. 5.