Alderman Martin Schoppmeyer speaks while Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan looks on during Schoppmeyer’s final City Council meeting on Dec. 20, 2016.
Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer
Ward 3 Alderman Martin Schoppmeyer was honored last week before the start of his final meeting as a member of the Fayetteville City Council.
Mayor Lioneld Jordan presented Schoppmeyer with a plaque of appreciation preceded by some kind words for the outgoing alderman.
Martin W. Schoppmeyer served on the Fayetteville City Council in the Ward 3, Position 2 seat from Jan. 3, 2013 through Dec. 20, 2016. He was present for 87 of the 99 meetings that took place during his tenure, for an 88 percent attendance rate.
“It has always been wonderful to work with you,” Jordan told Schoppmeyer. “You have always been very thoughtful and very courteous, and you’ve always treated people the way you’d like to be treated. And that, to me, is exemplary.”
Schoppmeyer, who replaced Alderman Bobby Ferrell, ran unopposed in the 2012 general election. His four-year term began Jan. 3, 2013 and ended Dec. 20, 2016. He did not seek a second term in this year’s election.
“I’d like to thank the citizens of Fayetteville for the opportunity to be able to serve as an alderman in Ward 3,” Schoppmeyer said, while facing the council. “I also want to thank each and every one of you for being friendly and professional to me in my tenure. I am a better person for having served.”
Schoppmeyer’s seat will be replaced by local real estate agent Sarah Bunch, who defeated developer Tracy Hoskins in a runoff election on Nov. 29.
Bunch and Hoskins were part of a three-person race for the Ward 3, Position 2 seat in the Nov. 8 general election. A runoff was set after the two emerged as the top contenders. During the runoff, Bunch received 1,234 votes (63%) and Hoskins received 732 votes (37%).
Bunch will take the Oath of Office during her first meeting on Jan. 3, alongside Jordan and returning council members Sarah Marsh (Ward 1), Matthew Petty (Ward 2) and Alan Long (Ward 4).
