Ludwig departs board after 21 years

JACKSON, Mo. -- David Ludwig may have served on the Jackson Board of Aldermen longer than any other person in the board's history, Mayor Paul Sander says. That 21-year tenure ended Thursday night when Ludwig, who is running for Cape Girardeau County auditor, surrendered his seat to his good friend Barbara Lohr, who ran unopposed in Ward 1 in April.

Ludwig recounted the many changes that have occurred in Jackson since he went on the board: An increase in population of more than 4,000, the expansion of the city limits east to Interstate 55, the widening of East Jackson Boulevard from two lanes to five lanes and the construction of the police and fire complex among them.

Serving the city was "an honor and a privilege," Ludwig said, praising the current council. "You have the public trust," he said.

Sander lauded Ludwig's faithful service to the city.

"You certainly bleed Jackson red," he said.

He said the most recent board did exemplary work. "There are towns across the state trying to model themselves after Jackson, Mo."

Lohr has served on the city's Planning & Zoning Commission since 1991, heading the commission as chairwoman since 1996.

Alderman Dave Reiminger was appointed to replace Ludwig as chairman of the city's Power & Light Committee. Lohr was appointed to the same committee.

In other business, Sander made the following appointments to city boards:

Mary Miller, replacing Lohr on the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Carmen Simpher, Park Board.

Pat Abernathy, Library Board.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182