The City of Baldwin has made history. Founded in 1896, some 127 years later, the city now has its first elected female mayor. Dr. Stephanie Almagno was sworn into office Monday night, one week after winning the Nov. 7 mayoral election. Almagno defeated political newcomer Tom Whitney to fill the unexpired term of former Baldwin Mayor Joe Elam. Her term runs through the end of 2025.
Post 5 Councilmember and mayor pro tem Alice Venter administered the oath of office during the city council’s monthly meeting on Nov. 13. Venter, who served as acting mayor for much of this year, claimed the title of Baldwin’s first female mayor after Elam stepped down in February.
As a wife, mom, professor of English, City Council Member, and now Mayor of Baldwin, Almagno talks about being elected.
“The enormity hit me on election night, and it was very humbling. The realization that people’s lives, careers, and futures are tied to decisions made. Mayors come and go. I’ve been on the council for four years now. I realize the blessing of our staff. They are the true constant for Baldwin.”
No stranger to politics
Almagno is no stranger to politics. Her father actively participated in the political realm, and Almagno played a big role in helping her dad.
“From stuffing envelopes to going door-to-door, we did it all in our Italian neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island, where I grew up. I remember people driving around in trucks with loudspeakers shouting, ‘Vote for this person.’ Service was a hallmark of my family.”
Almagno served as an English professor at Piedmont University for 30 years before retiring in January 2020. She and her husband, Rodolfo Valadez, have enjoyed 25 years of marriage. Valadez owned the restaurant El Campesino in Baldwin.
Mayor Almagno is grateful for her community and all who came out to vote.
“It was a strong turnout. So many people were engaged in this election. That is what I appreciated the most.”
Baldwin recorded the second-highest municipal voter turnout in Habersham County at 12.6%. Only Tallulah Falls had a higher turnout, at 43.5%. Of Baldwin’s 1,691 registered voters, 213 cast ballots, according to the county elections office. Almagno won her race with 63% of the vote.
Offering peace and wishing ‘enough’
When asked how she will be spending the Thanksgiving holiday, Almagno is excited to be a part of the Community Thanksgiving in Baldwin.
“Last year I couldn’t attend because my father was ill. I’m looking forward to being a part of this event,” she says.
The City of Baldwin is hosting a Community Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Firehouse in Baldwin (165 Willingham Ave). They ask if you would like to join in this holiday meal, please RSVP to [email protected] or text Woodmaster at 470-208-9842 with your name and number of people. The deadline to RSVP is Monday, November 20th.
“There will be turkey and ham provided. Bring a side dish or family dish if you’d like, and come enjoy time together,” she added.
Chief Administrative Officer of Baldwin, Emily Woodmaster, is the brains behind this event which has been in place for the past several years. Almagno said Woodmaster wants to gather people together across politics, ethnicities, ages, and races to sit at a table, talk about life, and have a meal.
Almagno speaks of her role as the new mayor with great hopes for the future.
“I want to offer peace. There has been such division on social media between people. This holiday season, I wish people ‘enough’ – enough shelter, enough food, enough love, enough of whatever one needs.”
