DAPHNE, Ala. (WPMI) A day after becoming Daphne's next mayor, Dane Haygood is spending his first day on the job.
Haygood a first year councilman was chosen Monday night to be the city's next mayor. A majority vote of the City Council made it possible.
"Twenty-four hours ago I wouldn't have thought I'd be standing here in this position today," said Haygood.
The seat was left open after Mayor Bailey Yelding passed away two weeks ago from cancer.
At 36, Haygood knows the door is wide open, he said he's humbled by the opportunity.
"II think we've done a good job. We've got great feedback from the public and those who attend council meetings, and we will continue that. I hope the relationship stays strong between myself and the council," said Haygood.
He said he admired Yelding's approach to a unified city.
"I'm looking forward to building on the team that was really put together by Mayor Yelding," said Haygood.
Haygood, a real estate developer and businessman, said growing the city through annexation and a business friendly atmosphere only makes sense.
"We've got a great opportunity for economic growth with Airbus and and other factors in the region. We want to make sure we get our fair share of that," said Haygood.
The job has a $75,000 salary. The council is accepting citizen applications for Haygood's vacant District Seven council seat through February 18.
