An Announcement by Mayor Harry M. Hallman, Jr.
Town Council Meeting Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Ladies and gentlemen,


I cannot tell you how often I ask myself, “Why have I been blessed with the life God has granted to me?”

Being your Mayor for the past eight years has been a truly rewarding experience, and I am thankful for the support provided to me by our citizens, our Town Council, and our staff.

Anyone who knows me can attest that I put God and my family above all else. I certainly consider the citizens of Mount Pleasant as an extension of the family I hold so dear.

When I was elected Mayor in 2000, I had a fairly short agenda –
BUILD ROADS AND WORK ON A SOLUTION FOR OUR ANNUAL GROWTH RATE THAT APPROACHED 10%.

I quickly discovered that the operation of a Town of 60,000 is not that simple. I soon discovered that, we elected officials, would fall apart rather quickly if it were not for our wonderful employees. I learned that they aren’t just employees. They are true servants of the people and they care deeply about this Town and its citizens. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been associated with these 500 public servants who I count as my closest friends.

I am convinced if we asked them to move the Ravenel Bridge 100 feet that they would be out there the next morning with shovels.

During my service to the Town, I have worked with a group of outstanding elected representatives.

We have not always seen eye to eye on everything, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Debate, disagreement, negotiation, compromise, and even badgering lead to better solutions.

I hope that I have encouraged a system where all the members of Council have had ample opportunity to participate and contribute.

These Council members have unique talents that they bring to the table, and they truly care about the work they do in a way that the public will never truly appreciate. I am humbled by their support.

I believe that this Council will leave a legacy of accomplishments that may never be surpassed. I am indeed proud to have been a part of this organization of elected officials.

I have served as your Mayor now for a little more than eight years. My term of office is scheduled to end in November 2009. I had every intention of fulfilling my obligation to you, and to personally hand over the gavel to my successor.

That, I regret, is not to be. When I realized that I was faced with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, I told my wife, family, friends, and my closest staff members that the greatest favor they could do for me was to tell me if I was no longer effective.

Each has been encouraging and supportive. They did everything possible to convince me that I could make it until November. To me, being “effective” means “excellence.” I realize now that I am not meeting my personal definition of “effective.”

This Town deserves only the best from its leadership. Half way will not do for my Town.

Most of what I set out to accomplish is complete because of the dedication of so many.

It is now time to really serve my community by doing what is best, and that is to step aside. It is perhaps the most difficult decision of my life, but I know in my heart that it is the right decision.

Therefore, I, Harry M. Hallman, Jr., the very grateful Mayor of the best town in South Carolina, do hereby tender my resignation from the Office of Mayor effective at 4:30 p.m. on May 13, 2009.

When the doors close tomorrow at Town Hall, I will conclude my 21 years of public service. I hope, in some small way, I have made a difference.

On Thursday morning at 8 a.m., the doors of Town Hall will open as always, and good things will continue to happen for our citizens. I am leaving my office in the very capable hands of Mayor Pro Tem Kruger Smith and the very capable hands of our council members. For me, I will begin a new chapter in my life.

Whatever time God may grant to me, I intend to help others with the support of my wonderful wife and partner, Brooke Hallman.
Thank you for allowing me to be your Mayor. May God bless this Town Council, our staff, and this wonderful community.