MADISON – Former city councilman Mike Potter was presented a Madison city coin last week for his years of service to the city in multiple capacities.

Madison City Council president Steve Smith presented Potter with a city coin to open the regular city council meeting last Monday night. Since November 2018, the mayor and city council members have taken turns awarding a city coin each month to honor citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the city.

“He is one of the smartest guys I know,” Smith said. “Anytime there are issues with the council or city, he is always my ‘go-to’ guy.”

Smith said his expertise and advice has also been very beneficial to other aspects of Madison government. “If there is a need from our schools, or any group within the city, he is always willing to help,” Smith added.

Potter and his wife first moved to North Alabama in 1980 and became Madison residents in 2003.

He is a 20 year Army veteran who retired in 1990 as a lieutenant colonel. In the Army, Potter spent seven years at Redstone Arsenal in research and development assignments as a systems engineer with the Patriot program, and later with the Missile Command’s R&D laboratories.

After the Army, Potter continued his systems engineering career with the Raytheon Company in Huntsville, and rose to the level of Engineering Fellow before he retired in 2008.

Potter has been involved in community service since becoming a Madison resident.  In 2004, Potter was appointed to the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Citizens Advisory Committee from Madison.  In 2008, he was placed on the city’s planning commission, where he continues to serve. He also serves on various steering committees for the city. He is also a member of American Legion, Post 229.

Potter was elected to City Council and represented District 4 from 2012-2016.

“Thank you for your dedication to our city,” Smith told Potter as he presented the coin to him.

Potter in accepting the coin gave a lot of praise to the current city council. “I really love how this city council and mayor works together for what is best for Madison,” he said. “They all have Madison in their focus.”

He added that he is very proud to live in Madison and is very grateful for the honor.