Ratliff takes the reins

Something amazing happened in Big Sandy on Tuesday, Nov. 20. An enthusiastic, motivated young woman stepped up to claim a responsibility she has wanted since she was 8 years old. Responding to prompts from Big Sandy City Judge Vicki Hoover, an enthusiastic Autumn Ratliff took the oath of office to become the official Mayor of Big Sandy.
“I am so proud to be the new mayor! This is a dream come true!” Ratliff said. “Children are our future, and they should have great role models to look up to. I want to make Big Sandy a better place for our children, and just make sure everyone is as proud of our home town as I am!”
A lifetime native of Big Sandy, Ratliff is a 2009 graduate of Big Sandy High School and an alumnus of UTM. In addition to her new responsibilities as Big Sandy Mayor, she is also a teacher at Briarwood School in Camden, helping young students to learn math, reading, writing, social studies, and science.
Following in the path of the very popular Ron Lane, who has been the Big Sandy Mayor for the past 15 years, Ratliff has some big shoes to fill. With his characteristic warmth and good humor, Lane was ready to put her mind at ease.
“We have made history here tonight by making Autumn Ratliff our new mayor. She is the first woman to be elected to serve as mayor anywhere in Benton County,” Lane stated. “I am confident that she will do a great job. I have truly enjoyed serving as Big Sandy Mayor, and I am so grateful to all of the people who have helped me and served alongside me for the past 15 years. I know the citizens and public servants of Big Sandy will provide as much support to Ms. Ratliff as they have always shown to me. I am leaving Big Sandy in very good hands.”