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Arthur Singleton, the long-serving chairman of the Suffolk Planning Commission, officially concluded his 26-and-a-half-year tenure on June 17, 2025. 

Singleton, who joined the commission on Jan. 1, 1999, was appointed by the late Rufus Powell and reappointed by various city council members and mayors, including Calvin Jones, the late Jeff Gardy, Linda Johnson, and twice by Mayor Michael Duman.

Director of Planning & Community Development, Kevin Wyne, delivered a recorded message acknowledging Singleton’s extensive contributions. “So much has happened over that 25 years that you have been a part of the planning commission, and we are very grateful for all the work that you have done,” Wyne stated. He added that “public service is a thankless job… and the fact that you’ve been at it for 25 years with us is certainly a testament to who you are”. Wyne lightheartedly mentioned he would miss Singleton’s frantic pencil-tapping to start public hearing timers and his tendency to refer to speakers by their first names when last names were challenging.

Commissioners shared personal anecdotes and praise. Mills Staylor, who served alongside Singleton for nearly a decade, highlighted his meticulous preparation. “Arthur reviews the agenda every month,” Staylor noted, adding that he “visits the properties in most cases”. Staylor called it “an honor and a privilege to serve with you over the last 10 years out of your 26 and a half years, I think you told me.”

Commissioner Mary Ellen Baur expressed gratitude for Singleton’s mentorship. “I appreciate you encouraging me to ask questions and to speak when it’s appropriate,” Baur said, commending his ability “to lead with so much dignity and grace, and… to make every person that comes to the podium feel seen and heard, and you give everybody you encounter the equal amount of respect as a human being.”

Commissioner Johnnie Edwards recalled starting on the commission at age 31, replacing Donald Mills. He spoke of a formative moment when Singleton pointed out landscaping details — “bushes” — during a rezoning vote, making Edwards realize “this is so there’s so much more to this than just an R and a Z.”

Edwards declared it “one of the greatest honors of my time to say that I served with you,” acknowledging how Singleton pushed him “to study more, to ask the right questions, and to think about things different.” Edwards lauded Singleton as the “steady rock” of the commission, who smoothly transitioned into leadership after replacing Howard Benton, an “institution” on the commission.

“I pray that for us who remain, that we make sure this commission lives up to the standards that you and Mr. Benton has laid,” Edwards said in closing. “I wish you nothing but the best.”

In his farewell remarks, Singleton thanked his early mentors, the late Fred Bowen and Howard Benton, and expressed appreciation for the commission’s endorsement of his chairmanship. He also acknowledged City Manager Al Moore and praised Planning & Community Development Director Kevin Wyne’s leadership. 

Singleton gave special thanks to Administrative Analyst Catina Myrick, saying, “She keeps me on track. She’s always answers the phone and returns phone calls,” he said. “Thank you, Ms. Catine Myrick for all you do for these commissioners.”