Clintonville’s mayor returns to work
By Bert Lehman
Mayor Rich Beggs has returned from a leave of absence that started in November 2020.
Beggs said about six months ago that he needed surgery to remove a tumor in front of his brain.
At the time of his announcement, Beggs said he would be taking a leave of absence that would last at least two weeks, but that it could last longer.
Beggs attended his first Clintonville City Council meeting on June 8, since his leave of absence. At the council meeting, he addressed the council about his leave of absence and about being back performing his mayoral duties.
He told the council that he was happy to be back.
In addition, he said that Mike Hankins, who filled in as acting mayor, and City Administrator Sharon Eveland did a “super job” during his absence.
“My only connection to the city was through the newspaper, and what I read in the newspaper, even though some problems came up, they were handled well by you, and no residual problems exist. I appreciate that,” Beggs said.
He added, “I think Mike (Hankins) did a super job as mayor, and I appreciate that.”
Beggs said he has had discussions with Hankins regarding the mayorship.
“I’m not absolutely positive whether or not I can go back into being a mayor,” Beggs said. “My mind still works a little bit slowly and physically, as you can see, I’m still toddling around. I think I can and I hope to and I expect to, but I may not.”
Beggs said he feels being the mayor is a fun job.
“I like being the mayor,” Beggs said. “I like working with you (city council). I like working with the people of Clintonville. I keep hoping that we can do better next week, or next month, or next year than we have. My pleasure, I guess is, and being here working with you, is trying to find a way to get better, to do better in Clintonville. We’ll continue to do that.”
Hankins thanked Beggs for the kind words, but said it was a team effort during his absence. He thanked the members of the city council, as well as city staff.
“And I want to thank our citizens for their questions and encouragement,” Hankins said. “So, while I appreciate Rich’s good words, it has been a team effort, and I was honored to do it.”