Found service to Clintonville rewarding

By Bert Lehman

Rich Beggs at his last meeting as mayor of Clintonville. Bert Lehman Photo

At the April 12 Clintonville City Council meeting, Rich Beggs presided over his last meeting as mayor and bid farewell to the council.

He was also presented a plaque from the city for his years of service.

“If my health was better, I probably would have tried for another shot (term as mayor),” Beggs told the council.

Beggs served the city of Clintonville for 12 years.

His father was an alderman for 10 years. Beggs said his goal was to serve the city for at least as many years as his dad.

“People think this is a tough job, it’s not,” Beggs said. “It’s a fun job. It’s a rewarding job. I’ve learned from every one of you. I’ve learned to know you and to love you, and to work with you. I think we have accomplished a few important things. Unfortunately, there are some important things that we have not accomplished. We’ll leave that to your council the next two years.”

Beggs thanked the council members for their time serving their constituents.

“I think you appreciate your city and city government a lot more once you’ve been here, so you have the feeling of the challenges that they have,” Beggs said.

He added, “I want to thank each and every one of you personally. Obviously, I’d like to think of you as my friends, and I think we will obviously see each other again somewhere.”

Upon the official completion of his term as mayor, Beggs said he will not come to city council meetings, and will not visit city hall much.