Despite not having an affinity for politics, Novada Bigham has served on the Mineola City Council for 22 years, many of those as mayor pro tem.

She stepped down recently after her 11th term, offering Cassandra Sampson the opportunity to serve in the Ward Three seat.

Fellow Ward Three Councilman Mitchell Tuck has 27 years on the council.

Bigham said her philosophy is to take care of council business and then “leave it right there.” She said she tried not to take city problems home with her once they have been dealt with.

She also said she avoids trying to micromanage city business.

The city has a good staff and directors, she said.

“I learned a lot about politics,” she said. “I don’t much care for it.”

She particularly despises those who come to the city with a “hidden agenda.”

“If you watch and listen long enough, it (hidden agenda) surfaces,” she said.

Bigham has served with seven mayors, starting with Cecilia Boswell in 1998, and even tried to win the post once herself. Though she did not win, she was pleasantly surprised with the amount of support she received and was ultimately happy that Rodney Watkins won the post.

She had a reelection opponent only 2-3 times during her tenure.

She first ran for the council because she loves being involved in her community.

One of the first things she learned after being sworn in was how government works and finding out that there is a lot more to it than many people realize.

Her service quickly expanded, as Mayor Boswell appointed a board to create a historical museum and asked Bigham to serve. She is still involved with the museum today, which has been flourishing for more than a decade.

She also helps with the Iron Horse Square project, which continues to evolve, like the museum.

One of the highlights Bigham pointed to is the Mineola Nature Preserve.

“It’s the go-to thing now,” she said.

It took a lot of work, money and volunteer hours to establish the park and grounds southeast of town.

“I’m glad we decided to stick with it,” she said.

While many positive changes have come Mineola’s way in the past 22 years, it has not been without some controversy.

Bigham remembers a particularly contentious topic concerning pit bulls and other concerns through the years.

In making tough decisions, Bigham said one of the things she tries to do is represent those who won’t come and speak out.

While Bigham says that things are going pretty well in Mineola, there’s a lot more to be accomplished, and she “hopes the virus doesn’t tear it all down. It’s taken a toll.”

She said you won’t catch her out without a mask and hopes everyone is taking care of themselves.

The end of Bigham’s term was marked by several presentations May 18, including from State Rep. Cole Hefner and State Sen. Bryan Hughes.

Bigham said it was a nice ceremony and she was surprised.

Her time on the council has been very rewarding, she said, and the city is still working on projects that she’d like to see accomplished.