A reception to honor Carl “Mickey” Ellington was held at Town Hall Thursday, as he retires from the Mint Hill Board of Commissioners after a combined tenure of 29 years. Mr. Ellington began his service to Mint Hill as a member of the Planning Board in 1978, where he also served as Chairman for 6 years. He was elected to the Board of Commissioners in 1999 and has served there since that time.

A long line of well-wishers waited patiently to congratulate Mr. Ellington on his retirement, and also to thank him for his combined years of faithful service to Mint Hill. Mayor Ted Biggers sang his praises: “Mickey has been a faithful public servant for a total of 29 years. He helps wherever and whenever he can. He supports the schools, the youth groups, and civic organizations. He served as the contractor for the Korean War Memorial free of charge. He is a model citizen who loves Mint Hill.”

Mickey also had a hand in the establishing of the Mint Hill Police Department and the opening of Town Hall. Friend Dick Lamb said, “Mickey seems to be successful in anything he touches, whether political or business. He puts God first, family second, and church and Mint Hill are tied for third. He loves Mint Hill more than anyone I know–and he introduced me to my wife. He was even successful there!”

State Representative Bill Brawley was also in attendance. He said, “One hundred years from now, people will still benefit from what Mickey has done for Mint Hill. They may not know his name, but they will benefit from what Mickey made happen in this town.”

What is on the horizon for Mr. Ellington? He said, “I plan to put more time into the Mint Hill Historical Society, my family, and church. But I am not going anywhere–I am staying right here.”