As the calendar turns to 2025, I reflect with mixed emotions on 2024 as I prepare for some big changes as the new year approaches.

By far the biggest change is that my family and I said a tearful good-bye to our matriarch, Nadine, who passed in mid-November.  We called her mom, and in the weeks since her death we’ve heard so many wonderful stories about the woman who others called sister, aunt, grandma, friend and so much more. Her legacy is best remembered with this simple quote: “Mom’s hold their children’s hands for a while, but their hearts forever.”  RIP mom.

The other big change in my life brings with it numerous adjustments: being sworn in as the new Mayor of Becker.  I am absolutely humbled by the level of support I received from the voters of this fine city, and I look forward with great optimism as we tackle some of the local issues that often are caused by misguided and overbearing mandates and decisions made at the state level.

Within the next several days, I will finish up transition meetings with every department head within the City of Becker’s leadership structure.  I appreciate their willingness to meet, the candor and depth of the information shared, and have been truly impressed by their level of commitment to our taxpayers.  They are fine people and I look forward to celebrating many successes with them in the future. 

Of course, with my focus now turning to Becker’s operations, my election means I will be saying good-bye to several other local government beats that I covered for the Patriot: Clear Lake City, as well as the townships of Santiago (remember it’s pronounced San Diego), Palmer and Becker.  To the people who live in those places, as well as their elected officials, I want to say a sincere and gigantic thank you.  I tried my best to report the facts, inform the citizenry and promote engagement and transparency through my journalistic duties.   

What I learned during those meetings included so many simple, yet extremely valuable tidbits that will serve me well in the future.  It starts with “always tell the truth.”

Saying good-bye to those beats will be hard, as there are so many exceptional people who care about their communities.  Palmer has amazing attendance at their meetings, with fixture Maureen Havert sitting in the front row keeping everyone in line.  In Santiago, it’s the Harshman’s (Richard and Jeanette) offering history lessons and the occasional comment, and in Clear Lake, Ron Juenemann is there every single meeting keeping tabs.  

While I won’t be covering these meetings anymore, I do still plan to stay on at the Patriot and share the stories of our community with our readers.  From sports to human interest and an occasional “From the Mayor” column, I will continue to share these stories with our community.

And, in turn, I invite you to share your stories with me at one of my outreach events in the new year.  Details and a schedule will be forthcoming, but rest assured that there will be ample opportunities for any resident or business owner who wants to meet the new Mayor.