Four years ago, San Antonio city government still operated under a dark cloud of suspicion brought on by scandal and unsteady leadership. In 2004, angry voters had overwhelmingly rejected a series of charter reforms seen as benefiting those at City Hall. The former judge and bomber pilot arrived in office with an aura of authority. Then three months into his first term when Hurricane Katrina and, later, Hurricane Rita ravaged the Gulf Coast, Hardberger demonstrated how an elected leader could inspire a community and show the nation what a special place San Antonio is. Hardberger applied a steady hand to city government with prudent touches, such as his commitment not to become embroiled in partisan politics and candidate endorsements. He creatively sought public-private solutions to difficult problems, such as partnering with the business community on river improvements. Hardberger's proven leadership earned him a second term in 2007, with 77 percent of the vote. He was accessible and affable as mayor, yet firm and deliberate in charting a course he felt was essential to San Antonio's future. San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger served as a Peace Corps Staff member in the 1960's.
Thanks, Mayor Hardberger, for job well done
Thanks, mayor, for job well done
Phil Hardberger was an unlikely candidate for mayor of San Antonio in 2005. Two years earlier, he had retired as chief justice of the 4th Court of Appeals. His name hadn't appeared on a ballot since 1996. And two well-known incumbents on City Council had all but cleared the field of prospective candidates.
At 70, Hardberger — an avid sailor and traveler — could easily have decided it was time to enjoy life.
Given the choice between an idyllic retirement and the full-time headaches of a municipal office that pays little more than $77 per week, few people would choose the latter.
But a broad cross-section of residents who had come to respect Hardberger's temperament and judgment on the court of appeals called on the Air Force veteran to serve once more.
Fortunately for San Antonio, Hardberger answered the call of duty.
Four years ago, San Antonio city government still operated under a dark cloud of suspicion brought on by scandal and unsteady leadership. In 2004, angry voters had overwhelmingly rejected a series of charter reforms seen as benefiting those at City Hall.
The former judge and bomber pilot arrived in office with an aura of authority. Then three months into his first term when Hurricane Katrina and, later, Hurricane Rita ravaged the Gulf Coast, Hardberger demonstrated how an elected leader could inspire a community and show the nation what a special place San Antonio is.
Hardberger applied a steady hand to city government with prudent touches, such as his commitment not to become embroiled in partisan politics and candidate endorsements. He creatively sought public-private solutions to difficult problems, such as partnering with the business community on river improvements.
Hardberger's proven leadership earned him a second term in 2007, with 77 percent of the vote. He was accessible and affable as mayor, yet firm and deliberate in charting a course he felt was essential to San Antonio's future.
Among the indelible marks Hardberger leaves on San Antonio are his brainchild, the Luminaria arts festival, Voelcker Park, Haven for Hope, a renovated Main Plaza, an ongoing redevelopment of the San Antonio River, loosened term limits and the Mission Verde plan to make San Antonio a leader in clean energy.
Most important, Hardberger restored trust in City Hall and demonstrated what competent leadership can accomplish.
He leaves office with San Antonio a better place than it was four years ago.
For that, all citizens should be thankful. He's finally earned that retirement.
