THOMASVILLE — A former Thomasville mayor reminded city council members they are in their positions because they received the most votes.

“I don’t give a damn how smart you are,” David Lewis told the council.

Lewis, 87, served on the council for 15 years. He served two two-year terms as mayor.

“A council that troubles the city shall inherit the wind,” he told city council at a Wednesday council workshop at city hall.

Standing at the council chambers podium, Lewis pointed out accomplishments of Kha McDonald, longtime human resources head and assistant city manager. McDonald has been interim city manager since Jan. 1.

Many city employees, he said, were instrumental in establishment of CNS, the city’s division for cable television and internet services, among others.

“The city is what it is today because of people who didn’t look at the clock to see if it was 5 o’clock,” said Lewis, a Thomasville native and retired General Electric executive.

The former mayor said such employee dedication might not be present today because of the workplace stress employees are experiencing.

Lewis urged the council to promote from within.

He told council members he thinks they are learning they cannot govern like they campaigned.

“It just won’t work,” he said. “You are trying to do the impossible for the ungrateful.”

The only way out of a cage is to open it, Lewis told the council.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820