Politics

Stephens to retire from City Council

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 10, 2019

Hendersonville mayor pro tem Ron Stephens, a veteran member of the council, announced on Monday that he will not seek a fourth term.

For Stephens, 12 years seems to be the appropriate amount of time to serve on City Council, he said in a news release. He said that he plans to step aside in December and make way for new ideas and fresh enthusiasm to have their effect on City government.

“It has been an honor as well as a pleasure serving on the Council, and I appreciate very much the opportunity given to me by the citizens of Hendersonville,” he said. “What a privilege to be able to put my training and specific expertise and experience to work in this city that my wife Mary and I have grown to love so much.”

Stephens cited several accomplishments during his tenure in which he is most proud to have taken part, including working with Mayor Niehoff on the remodeling and updating of City Hall; serving as chairman of the Planning Committee; being actively involved in improving the relationship between city government and the business community; participating in the upgrading of the Seventh Avenue area; and working with alumni, city leaders, School Board members and some County Commissioners to ensure that plans for the new Hendersonville High School include the historic Stillwell building.

Stephens said that he has appreciated the manner in which the City Council operates.

“It takes a non-partisan, team approach that produces good results time after time,” he said.

Though he won’t be an elected official going forward, Stephens left no doubt that his dedication to the city will continue: “I plan to stay involved with city concerns and challenges, and I am looking forward to increasing my volunteer activity, especially in helping to meet the needs of our homeless population and making affordable housing a reality.”