In the Bible, the book of Esther records these words, “for such a time as this.” Mordecai, the uncle and mentor of Queen Esther, encouraged her to lead in a critical time.
Four years ago in the City of Cordele, a retired Deputy Sheriff, stepped up to the challenge of those words. John Wiggins entered a crowded field of candidates to run for Chair of the Cordele City Commission.
The citizens of Cordele elected John Wiggins, who also happened to be the first African-American elected to the city-wide post. Commissioner-elect Wiggins posted a statement on Facebook and summed up his commitment in one sentence: “It is my privilege to serve you and I will do everything in my power to always put the needs of the people first.”
Four years later we can look back and see that in his first term of office, he faithfully kept that promise. Through some of the greatest challenges the city ever faced, John Wiggins led the meetings of the city commission with dignity, honor, humility, and fairness to all.
Chairman Wiggins probably cast more tie-breaking votes than all those who had served before him combined. Even in tie-breaking votes, he always voted with a view toward putting the people of Cordele first and unifying the city to move forward.
At the end of the August 3, 2021 Cordele City Commission meeting, Chairman Wiggins thanked the people of Cordele for entrusting him to serve. In a moving moment of emotion, he said that he was not going to run for a second term.
At this time in his life, he said that he needs to focus more time on his family. The audience stood and applauded the public servant who did everything in his power to put the needs of the people first.
Thank you, John Wiggins, for your service. You truly were called to lead Cordele “for such a time as this.”
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