Thanks, Harry

The City of Cape Girardeau has term limits for its mayor and city council members. This April, Harry Rediger will term out as mayor of Cape Girardeau after serving eight years. The City of Cape Girardeau will honor Rediger for his service and dedication. But I would like to offer a special "Thank You" for myself and the City of Jackson.

Four years ago when I was contemplating running for mayor, Harry Rediger was one of the first people I contacted. We had breakfast at Bob Evans in Cape Girardeau. I knew Rediger had made the transition from a business career to one of community service. He worked many years for the JC Penny Corporation and managed the Cape Girardeau JC Penny store.

We discussed the difference in the business world and government world; and the similarities. We discussed how good management and leadership are the same no matter where: business, government, academia, or the service world. We discussed what it meant to be mayor.

We discussed the great region we live in and the strength of the regional organizations that work together to promote and enable growth in the region.

I ultimately made the decision to run for mayor and Rediger was one of first calls I received offering his congratulations and support when I was elected.

Those were not empty words, beginning then, Rediger and I and the other regional leaders have worked closely together at building stronger cities, a stronger county and a stronger region. Rediger has attended events in Jackson including the opening of the Jackson Civic Center in January 2016, and I have been welcomed and introduced at events for the City of Cape Girardeau. Rediger has been a true partner and friend as our two cities have grappled with the challenges of financial funding, elections, transportation projects, and business development for our cities. Rediger has been there as a sounding board when I have had more day-to-day issues in dealing with the job of mayor.

We both believe we gain more by working together. A rising tide raises all boats. While our cities do compete for new businesses, new residents and new developments, the best decisions are ultimately made. Interesting, the unique characters of our two cities in the end drive most of those decisions. Common ground can be found when we approach decisions with attitude of "what is best for our citizens."

Thank you, Harry, from residents of Jackson and the mayor. Congratulations on a job well done.

I am looking forward to working with the new mayor of Cape Girardeau, Bob Fox. We have tremendous opportunities in our area and we have the government structure, cooperation and attitude to assure we capitalize on them.

Dwain Hahs serves as mayor of the city of Jackson. He can be reached at mayorhahs@jacksonmo.org.