On December 6, 2019, the Florida League of Cities honored Palatka Vice-Mayor Mary Lawson Brown with a Resolution commemorating her 35 Years of Service as an Elected Official during a ceremony held at the December meeting of the Northeast Florida League of Cities in Lake Butler. The “John Lands Years of Service” Award, which is given to elected officials in recognition of their “unselfish commitment to municipal leadership and governance,” was presented by FLC Member Relations Director Sharon Berrian on behalf of League President Mike Sittig and the FLC Board of Directors in front of elected and appointed officials and their staff from all over Northeast Florida.
“The Florida League of Cities was proud to present longtime commissioner and Florida League of Cities Board of Directors member Mary Lawson Brown with a Years of Service resolution,” said FLC Executive Director Mike Sittig. “This resolution recognizes extraordinary municipal leaders for their excellence in the governance of their city, town or village. Vice Mayor Lawson Brown has held office in the city of Palatka for thirty-five years and the League commends her for her dedication to her city.” She was sworn into office as a Palatka City Commission in January, 1984.
John Lands, the Award’s namesake, was the Mayor of Apopka from 1949 to 2014. The award is given to elected officials who have served more than 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years in office to honor their experience, wisdom, discernment and strong leadership skills, which brings tremendous value to the municipal governments of Florida.