MOUNT VERNON — Monday’s city council meeting was the last one for Councilman Mike Hillier, capping 16 years of service on council.
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr marked the occasion by presenting Hillier a flag that previously flew over the streets of Mount Vernon.
“We had an honor guard ceremony where it was folded by our police and fire department,” Starr said. “Mr. Hillier, we would like to say on behalf of the city, thank you for your years of service.”
Mount Vernon resident Don Carr also paid tribute to Hillier, noting that Hillier served next to the likes of Susan Kahrl, John Booth, Nancy Vail, John Francis, John Fair, and Chuck Dice.
A volunteer beginning
Hillier started his service in 2004 when former Mayor Richard Mavis appointed him to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
“That volunteer beginning was followed by five consecutive terms in office as an at-large city council member totaling 10 years and representing the residents of the 4th Ward for six years,” Carr said.
Hillier served as chairman of the city’s fire, police and civil defense, finance and budget, and planning and zoning committees. He also represented the city on the Knox County Regional Planning Commission and Heritage Centre Association of Mount Vernon.
“He was able to keep well-grounded to the concerns of the public,” Carr said. “He had a direct conduit and heard their voices loud and clear while working at his full-time job at Pak Mail.”
Carr referenced prior news reports that stated why Hillier ran for office (“I want to be part of the planning for the future of Mount Vernon. Sensible planning with the taxpayers in mind.”).
He also noted Hillier’s comment, “I have never agreed to a major spending project for our city without questioning first where the funding is coming from to finance the project.”
True to form, Hillier did just that Monday evening in his last session as councilman.
Carr listed other priorities Hillier focused on:
•The restoration and maintenance of the city’s brick streets
•The city’s appearance, especially relating to nuisance and abandoned properties
•Commercial traffic driving through residential areas
•The instability of the current road system to handle increased traffic caused by new large housing developments
“I’m not sure that 16 years serving on city council breaks any Mount Vernon records, but I know that the citizens of Mount Vernon will miss Mr. Hillier sitting on that dais,” Carr said.
Sharing their appreciation
Council members also honored Hillier for his guidance and support.
Councilwoman Tammy Woods thanked him for “all of the time you took my calls and I needed guidance or wanted to know who to talk to.”
“It doesn’t seem like much, but thank you,” she said.
“I also want to thank Councilman Hillier,” said Councilman James Mahan. “He was the first person to reach out to me when I was appointed to this position. He has been personally helpful and encouraging.
“Obviously, he does his homework, and I have never ever wondered what he was thinking because he was very clear,” Mahan added with a smile.
Councilwoman Amber Keener said Hillier taught her a lot, and Councilman Mel Severns thanked him for his service to the residents.
“You have worked for the people,” he told Hillier. “That is what public service is all about and is a good example for me and others to follow.
“You have helped me look at issues from a new perspective, and I thank you for that,” he added.
Severns said he appreciates Hillier’s preparation for council and committee sessions.
“You ask good and probing questions that necessitate followup from the administration, and I think that’s good,” Severns said.
Council President Bruce Hawkins said you never had to wonder where Hillier stood on any issue.
“You never had a doubt that he did his homework,” Hawkins said. “He worked hard, and he made a lot of calls and did a lot of homework.
“You don’t always have to agree with Mike. He’ll tell you how he feels, and that’s important. He was honest about it, and I appreciate that very much.”
Councilman Hillier: ‘Ready to retire’
In his final words as a councilman, Hillier thanked everyone for their kind words and for the flag. He thanked his wife, Terri, for her support through the years as campaign chair, letter writer, secretary, and sign maker.
“She is the one who made sure I was on time,” he said.
In addition to the council members Carr noted, Hillier mentioned Larry Schafer as someone from whom he learned a lot.
He also recalled a specific vote that shaped his future perspective.
“In the 16 years I was here, I still remember the one vote I wish I’d never voted for,” he said. “I can’t take that vote back. I was new, and everybody thought it was a good idea, so I said let’s go for it. To this day, I regret that yes vote.”
Hillier also said he appreciates the support of his boss, Susan Delozier, at Pak Mail.
“I did a lot of city council work with people who came to the counter, and I appreciate all of that,” he said.
“I have met a lot of people in this job. I have enjoyed working for the people of Mount Vernon,” he said. “I missed one meeting: the day of my mom’s funeral. I don’t think I ever missed calling someone back, and I was never late. I built on that, and I need to thank my mom and dad for that.
“So thank you all. Thank you for the kind words. I’m ready to retire.”
