HELEN – Tuesday afternoon’s Helen City Commission was filled with pride, optimism and emotion as three members of the city commission attended their final meeting.
2017 Mayor Helen Wilkins has spent 20 years on the city commission, including several terms as mayor. She concluded the meeting with an emotional speech reflecting on her time in city government, and the advancements the city has made during that time.
After the meeting, Wilkins shared some thoughts with AccessWDUN about her service.
“It’s just too many things to think about and talk about,” Wilkins said. “I barely remember from 1997 when I was first elected, but I’ve learned so much and I highly recommend being an elected official, running for public office to anyone because it’s a wonderful way to get to know people in your community, to understand more about how city government works – and government period. It’s not just being a politician. I feel like I’ve been a cheerleader and an ambassador for our town, and I’ve worked with so many, many good people through to years to help make the decisions – good, wise decisions. We’ve all worked together so hard to build our town and keep it going as one of the top three tourist attractions in the state of Georgia, and to keep our wonderful quality of life to the high standards that we have here. I’m so fortunate and blessed to have had this opportunity.”
During Tuesday’s meeting, Alpine Helen-White County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Jerry Brown told commissioners the city is continue to gain national attention as a favorite Christmas city and favorite small town.
“MSN featured Helen as one of the most festive towns in America,” Brown said. “In Simplemost.com, Helen made the 15 of the best Christmas towns in America. Business Insider named Helen one of the most festive towns in America. And MSN named Helen one of the most adorable small towns in America.”
Those recognitions are one of the many accomplishments Wilkins says make her proud of Helen.
“I’m bursting with pride – everything to do with our town, but especially getting national accolades, which we deserve,” Wilkins said. “Our convention and visitors bureau works so hard and the White County Chamber – we just all work hard to promote this town, and we’re so lucky with the setting that we have here. The beautiful mountains and the river. It’s the best place in the world to live and be from. I’m fortunate.”
In a small tourist village like Helen, the mayor may be called upon for unusual duties. One of those for Wilkins just recently was using the city’s bucket truck to help city staff and other commissioners decorate for Christmas.
“I faced my fears and helped decorate the big tree downtown,” Wilkins said. “I figured if I was able to go off one of the highest ziplines in the world in Costa Rica, I could get in a bucket truck. It was a little hard learning to figure out the gears, but I didn’t dump myself out and I actually had a good time and may do it again next year.”
In addition to Wilkins, Commissioner Fred Garmon and Commissioner Judy Holloway participated in their last meeting in those roles.
“I’ve enjoyed it very much,” Garmon said. “I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Holloway said she also is proud of the work of the current commission.
“This commission board has done more projects that tried to move the town forward than any one we’ve ever had before,” Holloway said. “It’s been a pleasure.”
