First, a few words about the departing Loftis. He should be remembered as a mayor who worked hard at his job, elevating the post of mayor from a position which simply led board of commissioner meetings to nearly a full-time job. Loftis could often be found at city hall, keeping regular business hour.
In so doing he showed a willingness to make himself accessible and open to the public, and to be actively engaged in the day-to-day management of the city.
Loftis also proved himself to be an honest politician, a man who may not agree with you, but would always give you a straight answer. He respected the citizens of Mount Airy, as well as his co-leaders on the commission.
His retirement will leave big shoes to fill.
Cochran, however, would seem to be one who can take on the job.
She first came into city politics when she won the city’s at-large commissioner seat two years ago, swept into office by voters who were looking for change in city government. Cochran campaigned on certain issues — opposing additional water and sewer hikes and working diligently to bring new jobs to the city among them.
And she has stayed true to those commitments, which no doubt played a hand in her winning the mayor’s office this year.
During the campaign for the city’s top elected post Cochran refused to engage in negative politics, never attacking her opponents. Instead, she ran a positive, somewhat low-key, old-fashioned campaign centered around visiting door-to-door with city residents to learn of their concerns and to ask for their votes.
City voters rewarded her with the mayor’s seat.
And now, we wish Loftis a happy and prosperous retirement from city politics, and we equally wish Cochran much success in her new role, because we believe success for the mayor and the commissioners means success for the city.
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