Hans will be missed

Friends,

    Hans not being re-elected will be a loss to the Board of Aldermen (BOA).

    He worked hard to meet the needs of his constituents often saying, "I may not agree with the way I am voting but I am voting for the people who elected me."  It is for that reason that his campaign signs said, "Voice of the People."

    When the City Administrator needed assistance with the Stagecoach sewer plant, Hans spent his time and resources meeting her requests.  Those were not simple requests and required a special skill in understanding and researching.  His answers were accurate and thought-provoking.

     Saturday after Saturday, he drove the Tourism/Chamber trolley taking and escorting visitors and citizens from one shop to the other.  Always with a smile; always with words of welcome.  Always representing the Aldermen with the finest of hospitality.

     Day after day, he was working with VIPs mowing grass that was an eye-sore or for people who could not take care of their yard because of health or age.  As one drives through the neighborhoods, it is obvious that they set the example for the rest of us.  As always, he was an Alderman leading by example.

     Many times he did not vote with the majority of the BOA.  And that was fine -- no one ever wants all "Yes" people.  I can still hear him saying, "I just can't go along with that."

     In the workshops, he listened carefully and spoke straight forwardly.  On more than once occasion, he disagreed verbally with another Aldermen.  In the end, they agreed to disagree and still be friends.

      I use to watch him as a discussion got long and for the most part, boring, close his black binder as if to say, "I got it.  Let's get on with what we need to do."  Yet, he continued to sit quietly, listening, and thinking.  Sometimes during BOAs and Workshops, he text continually.

     Losing by 19 votes is difficult but in these elections the majority wins.  It says nothing about the quality of the person, the sacrifices that has been made for the love of the community, or the difference one life has made.

     Hans has made a difference and, if our community is fortunate, he will continue to do so.

     Hans will be missed on the BOA.  When you see him, tell him what a difference he has made.

     Thank you, Hans.  George Bernard Shaw was right, "a gentleman puts more into the world than he takes out."  And, you have done that.

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