At the September meeting of the Winfield Chamber of Commerce, former Winfield mayor, Bill West was presented a plaque in appreciation for his dedication and service to the City of Winfield. Each year as a part of the annual Mule day Festival, the chamber honors someone from the city who has contributed in a special way to make Winfield a better place to live an work.

William R. (Bill) West is a native of Winfield. He graduated from Winfield City Schools, received a Bachelor's Degree from Florence State College, a Master's Degree from the University of Alabama, and a Master's Degree in Administration from the University of North Alabama.

He served as assistant principal, taught government, economics, and history in the Winfield City School System and retired with 27 years experience. He worked at Bevill State Community College, for the Alabama Public Health Service and has been a business-owner in Winfield.

Bill is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Winfield, has served as Sunday School Superintendent, president of the Winfield Education Association, as a representative on the District Seven Legislative Contact Team, and has taught disadvatntaged youth. He is currently a member of the Advisory Board of Wachovia bank for Marion county and as mayor of Winfield, he served on the Board of Directors of Northwest Medical Center and as Chairman of the Technical Committee for the Development of Corridor X.

He was a Winfield city councilman from 1992 - 2000 and served as mayor of the city from 2000 - 2008. During his administration grants and funding were secured for historic lighting, sidewalks, beautification of downtown, a FEMA Safe House, lighting of Interstate Exit 30, entrance paving for the North Industrial Park, and development of the South Industrial Park. Also, new industries and retail were recruited.

His wife is Linda Langston West who is a retired teacher of the Winfield City School system. Their daughter is Daphne West-Stanford, who is married to Steve Stanford.