By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
After nearly 30 years serving on the Glasgow Common Council, Freddie Norris announced that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming 2026 election.
“I liked it,” Norris said. “I really enjoyed it.”
Norris was first elected to the city council in 1978 and served until 1988, then after a stint away from Glasgow, he resumed serving on the council in 2007, according to information obtained from the Glasgow City Clerk’s Office.
During his tenure in office, Norris said figures like Sam Norris, Jack Goodman, and Luska Twyman — who served as Glasgow City Mayor from 1968 to 1985 and who is commemorated at city hall — taught him valuable lessons he’s carried forward.
“Some of the older men that were on the council [in the ’80s] taught me a lot,” Norris said.
He said he plans to stay in Glasgow and engage in “typical retirement” activities, like golfing, watching and caring for his growing family, and continuing to be an active member of his church.
Some of the accomplishments he’s proud to have had a hand in was the widening and increasing the safety of Cleveland Avenue, the construction of the downtown parking structure, the restoration of Richardson Stadium, the farmers market building and the aquatic center.
With his decision not to run, there will be at least one new council member in 2027. Norris said it’s important for a new council member to ask questions, learn a lot, be a team player and be civil.
“You need to do a lot of listening to learn when you serve,” Norris said. “I think one thing [is] being faithful to the committees and boards the mayor assigns you to. Show up, ask questions and be a part of the process. You cannot know everything about everything; you trust people that are in those places.”
“You don’t get it right every time, but you try,” he added.
Norris said he is pleased and optimistic regarding the direction of the city.
“Lot of good things [are] happening now,” he said.
His term on the council ends Dec. 31, 2026.
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