Mayoral event lauds Stodola as League of Cities spokesman

Trapnall Hall was filled Nov. 29 with Little Rock mayors — six of them to be precise.

Five former mayors were on hand at a reception honoring current Mayor Mark Stodola for being elected president of the National League of Cities. The hosts of the event were former mayors Sharon Priest, Buddy Villines, Lottie Shackelford, Tom Prince and Buddy Benafield. Former mayor Jim Dailey also was a host but was not able to attend the event.

The league’s president serves as spokesman for the organization and meets with U.S. lawmakers and members of the White House administration, representing the more than 19,000 cities and towns in the United States. More than 1,900 of those cities are members of the league.

Ken and Michele Wasson with North Little Rock Mayor Joe and Missy Smith

Mayor Mark Stodola (center) with former mayors Tom Prince, Buddy Villines, Sharon Priest, Lottie Shackelford and Buddy Benafield

Mimi San Pedro, Bryan Day and Nancy Griebel

Don Zimmerman and National League of Cities Executive Director Clarence Anthony

Stacy and Howard Hurst

Little Rock City Director Dr. Dean Kumpuris and Annie Abrams