Reception honors retiring city manager
City Manager Lance Hudnell said it was an “honor and a privilege to serve a fabulous community” during a retirement ceremony Thursday afternoon.
Hudnell retired Friday after 34 years of public service to the city.
He expressed his gratitude to his co- workers, and choked back tears as
he spoke of his wife.
“To Doris, who has never wavered in loving me, even when I was unloveable, thank you, sweetie.
“And to my Lord, who has protected, chastised, taught, and provided wisdom beyond measure; and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your Lord.”
Steve Mallett, deputy city manager for Public Works and Utilities, served as emcee for the event, held in the Grand Lobby of the Hot Springs Convention Center. About 150 family members and friends, past and present city, county, and state elected officials, civic and business leaders, and representatives of U. S. Sen. Mark Pryor and U. S. Rep. Mike Ross were in attendance.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lance for the last 10 years, the last four as deputy city manager to him, and to say I’ve learned a lot is an understatement, to say the least,” Mallett said.
“But over the last few weeks, I’ve heard a lot of people describe Lance, and the words I’ve heard over and over are honesty, integrity, loyalty, knowledge, leadership and humility. Those are the characteristics Lance not only portrays in his professional life, but in his per- sonal life, and anyone who knows him, knows that to be the case.”
Mallett said he didn’t know anyone who “deserved to have a fuss made over them more than Lance Hudnell, so you’re just going to have to be uncomfortable for a few minutes while we make a fuss over you.”
Mayor Ruth Carney, who had proclaimed Thursday and Friday as Lance Hudnell Day in Hot Springs, said he served the city of Hot Springs for almost 35 years with an “unwavering belief that people are innately good while dodging knives and bullets.”
“Under his capable leadership, the city of Hot Springs has continued its forward progress, avoiding many pitfalls while enduring an extremely tight budget environment.
“His true legacy has been his dedication to a job completed and well done, his heart- felt belief that we can all work together for the good, his Hot Springs pride, attention to detail, and personal ethics to always be courteous, compassionate and kind to all.
“We’re all here today with the single and unanimous goal to honor retiring City Manager Lance Hudnell and show our extreme respect to him as Christian leader, teacher, public servant, husband, father, and grandfather,” she said.
Former City Manager Kent Myers said in a letter that it is “quite obvious that the city of Hot Springs has realized an incredible amount of progress over the past 30 years, and this progress would not have been possible without your total dedication, commitment and professional guidance to mayors, board members, city managers and other city staff.”
“You have devoted many hours to serving the community above and beyond the call of duty,” Myers said.
Pryor, in a similar letter, said Hudnell’s work as city manager is to be commended.
“I know you, your fine family and friends must be very proud. Your reputation for integrity and commitment to the highest standards throughout your career will be an inspiration to all who follow you.”
Gov. Mike Beebe said, “I admire the diligence and energy you have displayed in serving the city of Hot Springs with integrity and a prodigious work ethic for the last three and a half decades.”
Larry DeWitt, chairman of the Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission, presented Hudnell with a commemorative aerial photo of down- town Hot Springs signed by the staff of Visit Hot Springs and others.
“This signifies what Lance has been part of and very instrumental in developing during his time,” DeWitt said.
“From the standpoint of Visit Hot Springs and the advertising and promotion commission, we are sorely going to miss you.”
Other presentations included a citation from the state House, presented by Rep. John Vines, D- District 25, a poem written and read by District 1 Director Peggy Brunner- Maruthur, and a clock presented on behalf of the city by Minnie Lenox, human resources director.
“It’s been a great ride and a lot of fun,” she said.
“You’ve taught us a lot. As you close this chapter in your life, and look at opening a new one, remember this when you come to do something – amateurs built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic.
“Anything you venture out to do, set your mind to it and you will succeed. Today, we, the city of Hot Springs, step aside because you know where you’re going and we want you to remember that as the city turns, time ticks on.”