As the City of Houston welcomed a new mayor and aldermen Monday night, it said goodbye to three men who served a combined 52 years.
Steve Hutcheson, the longest-serving mayor in Houston history, and aldermen Bruce Wilson and Bill Maxwell were each recognized at last night’s city council meeting inside Houston City Hall.
Hutcheson was elected as an alderman in 1983 and served in the capacity for eight years. He was elected mayor in 1999 and served 12 years in that role.
Wilson served as an alderman from 1983-’92 and again from 2005-’11. Maxwell was first elected in 1995 and served continuously through 2011. Both men served 16 years.
Hutcheson, Wilson and Maxwell were each presented plaques for their dedicated service.
“Tonight we end a period of Houston’s history that I think is very unique,” said Don Romines, a Ward III alderman.
Romines read a long list of accomplishments that have taken place during the men’s time of service. Included were:
-Establishing a nursing home, free transportation system and reserve police program.
-Expanding the city limits.
-Promoting third turning lane through Houston.
-Purchasing two new fire trucks. One, which required an 1/8 cent sales tax, helped lower the city’s ISO rating from six to four.
-Building new fire station.
-Moving city hall and the police station to current location.
-Welcoming Durham Company, GAMO/BSA, Air Evac and Houston Sportswear to town.
-Enlarging Emmett Kelly Park.
-Constructing a community storm shelter.
-Developing $4 million plan to replace outdated waste water treatment plant.
-Looping north and west parts of town with 12-inch water line for better flow and fire protection.
-Starting full-time parks and recreation program
-Assisting Texas County Technical Institute in receiving its first grant for a building in Houston.
-Completing and dedicating new airport.
-Receiving federal DED grants to build three buildings, including one 30,000 square foot building, at industrial park.
-Expanding new water, sewer and electrical lines in town.
The trio also began an in-house upgrade to the electric system that will provide a more consistant current and have less line loss and participated in talks to potentially bring Ozark Technical College to Texas County.
“These three men have all touched, guided, supported, encouraged and helped develop all of these projects in some way,” Romines said.
As the end of one era ended, a new one began. Don Tottingham was sworn in as the city’s new mayor. Also new to the council are David Arthur, Ward III, and Chalky Wells, Ward II.
Incumbent Sharon Sillyman, Ward I, also took the oath of office.
Romines welcomed Tottingham, Arthur and Wells to public service.
“We’re glad to have you join us and know that you share the vision and goals of your predecessors,” Romines said. “If we work together, we can insure Houston has a bright future.
“We must all strive in the footsteps of Bruce, Bill and Steve to see that Houston thrives and that we serve the people of this community.”