For the first time since 1969, Bob Hamrick was not a candidate earlier this month for the Ward 2 Gainesville City Council seat. When Hamrick was first elected to the council 46 years ago, Richard Nixon was president. a gallon of gasoline was 32 cents, a loaf of bread 23 cents, a new house $40,000 and the average yearly income in the U.S. was $6.500.
According to the Georgia Municipal Association, Hamrick is the longest, currently serving city council member in the state. But, as spokeswoman Amy Henderson pointed out, there could others the GMA is not aware of.
As late as April, the 87-year-old Hamrick was planning to seek another term.
"I am committed to a greater Gainesville and the continuation of its leadership role in the Northeast Georgia area," he said in a Facebook posting. "A Gainesville committed to provide a first-rate education for our children. A Gainesville where growth is balanced, businesses are provided the opportunity to expand and grow, and neighbors are protected. A Gainesville where taxes are fair and government works. A safe Gainesville, a successful Gainesville, a caring Gainesville. A Gainesville that works."
But in July he made the surprise announcement at a city council meeting that he would not be running for re-election, saying the time has come to step down.
"A number of dynamics in my personal life have changed since I announced as a candidate for re-election," said Hamrick. "Carolyn [Hamrick's wife] and I both face some additional health issues."
Several days ago, Hamrick, who also served five terms as Mayor when that post was rotated among council members, answered a few questions about his tenure and how the city has changed during that time along with the responsibilities of a council member.
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*What prompted you to seek a city council seat?
Gainesville had received a federal grant (Urban Renewal) to improve living conditions within sectors of the city. The southeast part of city had been designated an Urban Renewal Area. Efforts to fulfill the grant requirements were extremely slow and I felt efforts should and could be more efficiently preformed to make the improvements.
Job opportunities and affordable housing were limited and no plans had been developed to attract diverse industry or improved housing conditions, I felt aggressive industrial recruitment and encouragement of residential subdivision development should be the paramount objectives for the city.
I felt I could be an encouragement for change.
*Had you ever run for public office before or been involved in politics in any way?
I had never run for public office and the only involvement in politics had been student body president in college.
*What do you remember about that first election?
The incumbent was serving as Mayor and I based my campaign on personal contacts. I went to all areas of the city making door-to-door calls, promoting diverse job opportunities and housing improvements and received much encouragement.
*Did you have any particular goals in mind when you ran the first time?
My goals were to unclog the log jams at City Hall and begin to recruit industry, encourage residential improvements and development, and improve service delivery and infrastructure in all areas of city.
*How long did it take you feel really comfortable once you were seated?
It took the first year to fully understand the local ordinances and the state and federal regulations as they applied to local government and service deliveries.
*Did you ever imagine at that time that you would still be on the council 40+ years later?
At the time of my first election, I had no idea of the period of time I would serve. Each time at the end of my term of office, I received encouragement to offer again. There were ongoing projects or new projects that improved the quality of life that I felt the city needed and I had interest in seeing completed.
*How is serving on the council different today than what it was that first term?
Today, we have an elected Mayor and five council persons and a new charter passed by the state Legislature. Naturally, with the increased population, the service demands are greater. Budgets are larger, oversights of expenditures require more time, and the infrastructure needs have a five-year capital expenditure plan.
A council member serving today expends much time understanding the various issues before taking official action. This may require much reading of staff reports or visiting the site involved in the issue to fully understand the affect of actions to be taken.
*You are retired now, of course, but in those early years you must have had some understanding employers. Of course, I guess that's true of all elected officials whose service is officially described as "part time."
At the time of my first election, I worked for the J.D. Jewell Co. and was encouraged to offer for office by company management with the assurance of their full support. After the closing of the Jewell Co., I was employed by Home Federal (Savings and Loan Association). Again. I had full support and encouragement of management to serve without any pressure or favor of matters before the council.
*What major city-related events/issues that occurred during your tenure stand out in your mind?
The most rewarding events to occur during my service were (seeing the city) being named one of the first Cities of Excellence in the state.
We have always strived to provide a superior service to our citizens. Our Police Department is Nationally Accredited, Fire Department has a Class I Insurance Service Organizaiton (ISo) rating, the Parks and Recreation Department is Nationally Accredited, Water and Sewer Department has State of the Art treatment capabilities and has received state and regional recognition, Public Works Department provides twice-a-week backyard garbage collections (one of a few cities in the state doing so), and leaf and limb weekly collections, the Housing Department won the first State Magnolia Award and the Finance Department has received national recognition for financial reporting and we recently received the highest credit rating . The Citizens Government Academy was recognized by the Georgia Municipal Association and Trends Magazine and presented with the first Trendsetter Award.
Our industrial development and recruitment efforts have developed seven industrial parks and currently provide 77,000 jobs in Gainesville/Hall County ranking tenth in the state.
*What will you miss most when you are no longer a part of the council?
When my term is finished, I will miss the employees and the quality of life that they strive to provide. Also I will miss being called upon to assist a citizen with a concern about an issue.
*What will you miss least?
I will least miss having an issue seemingly without a solution.
*Did you ever, before this year, seriously consider stepping down?
I did indeed consider stepping down; however, an issue would be presented that I felt would be beneficial for the city and I would like to see the issue brought to a conclusion. I also would have encouragement to continue.
*Did you ever seriously consider seeking another office?
I considered offering for other offices; however, friends would be the office holders at the time, doing a good job representing the city and county.
*What do you think has been the single, most important change in the city over the years?
The most important changes have been the urbanization of the area and the importance of the growth in health care, industrial and retail job opportunities, recreational programs, the educational system, and the growth in being the hub of activities in northeast Georgia.
*How would you like the people of Gainesville to remember Bob Hamrick, the public servant? In other words, your legacy?
I hope that citizens will remember me a being a representative and public servant to all the citizens and who constantly strived to be number one in all respects within budget guide lines.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/11/345735/bh