Mark Nygard retires from politics after 18 years
By Lee Coleman
The journey for Mark Nygard started 18 years ago on the Hazen City Commission. Now, the end of an era has come as Nygard will be honored at a reception Friday to celebrate his retirement from politics.
The reception will take place at City Hall from 2-5 pm. and the public is invited to attend.
Nygard presided over his last city commission meeting June 2 and admits to being ready to turn over the gavel.
“I am relieved and sad at the same time,” he said. “It is time for some young people to take over with more energy than what I have these days.”
Saying he was most proud of the city’s ability to retain good employees, Nygard said being able to get more pay and benefits for the employees while getting the equipment the city needed was a key in maintaining good morale amongst the employees.
On the downside, Nygard, a new member of the West River Telephone Board of Directors, seemed disappointed the city could not embrace some of the city-owned properties and get them developed for housing.
“I wish we could have moved forward with the developments of homes on city-owned property west of the city,” he recalled.
