— Mayor John Tyler Hammons bid farewell Monday, the eve before Muskogee voters choose his successor.

Recounting his four years at the helm of the City Council, Hammons touted some of the successes. Street improvements and economic development topped his list.

“We’ve paved more roads in the last year than we did during the 20 years before that,” Hammons said, acknowledging the passage of a permanent revenue stream for city street projects.

Regarding economic development, Hammons championed his plan to dedicate up to $1.2 million of the city’s use-tax collections for that purpose.

“We’ve talked about this for as long as I’ve been alive,” he said about funding the city’s job recruiting efforts. “Now we’re doing it.”

Hammons, who earned national recognition in 2008 at age 19 as one of the country’s youngest mayors, acknowledged mistakes but was quick to point out his belief that some improvements have taken place.

“I’ve often referred to Muskogee as a shining city on the hill,” Hammons said during his farewell address. “Today it is a little higher and shines a little brighter than it did.”

Hammons, whose second term will end Monday when his successor takes office, gave credit to his colleagues for advances.

“I challenged the city not to do well, but to do good,” Hammons said, recalling his first State of the City address. “We’ve always made decisions based on what’s best for the city. We’ve made a difference in people’s lives.”

Hammons also acknowledged differences of opinion at times and the spirited debates that ensued. Nevertheless, he said he “loved mostly every minute” of his time as mayor.

Hammons was elected in 2008 after former Mayor Wren Stratton stepped aside after one term. The Muskogee High School graduate and freshman student of political science won 42 percent of the vote among a field of six in the general election and defeated three-term Mayor Hershel McBride with nearly 70 percent of the vote in the runoff election.

Hammons’ age — he’s the youngest elected mayor in Muskogee — earned him widespread recognition and spots on national television. His popularity propelled him to a second victory two years later, when he won almost 52 percent of the vote among four candidates.

Hammons’ celebrity was recognized Monday night during the City Council meeting by Sue Harris, the outgoing chief executive officer and president of the Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Muskogee is recognized around the world,” Harris said, crediting much of that recognition is to Hammons’ high profile. “You have been an awesome representative of Muskogee.”

Hammons announced in November that he would not seek a third term, opting instead to pursue a law degree.

“It’s been four years — it seems like a lifetime,” he said of his tenure as mayor. “This city is not the same as it was when I got here, I’m not the same person. It’s been a wonderful ride.”

Ward IV Councilor Jackie Luckey and Vice Mayor Robert Perkins were also recognized for their service.

Perkins, who represented Ward III for 20 years, will step down after his successor is elected. Luckey, who was elected in 2008, is stepping down after one term.

Voters will choose a new mayor and cast ballots today for candidates seeking to fill four City Council seats. Voters also are being asked to decide three ballot propositions, one of which would change how ward representatives are elected.

Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A runoff election, should one be needed, is scheduled April 3.

Reach D.E. Smoot at (918) 684-2901 or dsmoot@muskogeephoenix.com.