MANSFIELD — Mansfield City Council said goodbye to 15 years of legislative experience on Tuesday, honoring outgoing members Jon Van Harlingen and Jason Lawrence.
Both men were defeated in re-election bids on Nov. 2 and took part in their final council session.
Van Harlingen, a Democrat who has represented the 3rd Ward since winning election in 2013, was defeated by Republican Rev. El Akuchie.
Lawrence, a Republican from the 5th Ward who has held the seat since he was appointed to fill an unexpired term in 2014, lost to Democrat Aurelio Diaz.
The two newcomers will assume the seats when City Council next meets on Jan. 4.
Both men were honored for their service by their fellow council members with resolutions on Tuesday.
Van Harlingen, a retired 34-year city employee, is best known for his work as the finance committee chair, a fact pointed to by council At-large member Phil Scott, a fellow Democrat and the most tenured among current council members.
“I’m losing a very, very, very good friend on this City Council. John knew that budget inside out and backwards and found things in it sometimes some of us would never thought of finding,” said Scott, a former council president.
“John and I had quite a few different discussions on the matters that were coming before council. Sometimes we agreed and sometimes we didn’t, but most of the time we came to a compromise and reached a solution on what we thought would be best for the city of Mansfield,” Scott said.
Van Harlingen also served as member of the Board of Tax Appeals and the Historic Preservation Committee, often attending city Board of Control meetings, Richland County Land Bank meetings and other events.
At-large Councilwoman Stephanie Zader, a Republican who retained her seat Nov. 2, told Van Harlingen he would be missed.
“In the four years I have known you since becoming a (council) clerk and leaving and coming back as a councilwoman, I’ve learned a lot from you. There is no one on council that I’ve seen out more in the community when I am at events.
“I really admire that about you, that you didn’t just show up for meetings and do your basic duty. You were involved in the community. You have done a lot for our community and our city,” Zader said.
4th Ward Councilman Alomar Davenport, a Democrat who will chair the finance committee starting in January, thanked Van Harlingen for his past (and future) help.
“Jill (Van Harlingen) has already told me she’s going to block my (phone) number,” Davenport said with a laugh. “I think John knows I appreciate the time he has spent with me over the last two years.
“I attend (city) Board of Control meetings with him and as soon as they end, I’ll call him and he’ll spend 20 minutes explaining to me what just went on. I truly appreciate that.
“He has been willing to teach and that’s not something you see all the time. A lot of people just let you go. I do hope my number eventually gets unblocked,” Davenport said with another smile.
During his time on council, Lawrence served as the chair of various committees, including public affairs, zoning, streets, public utilities and claims.
1st Ward Councilwoman Laura Burns, a Republican who retained her seat earlier this month, praised Lawrence.
“It’s been an honor to work with you. Thank you, sir, for your time with us and for bringing all of the enthusiasm that you have,” Burns said.
Van Harlingen pointed out the fact he and Lawrence had served several years together. Other than Scott, no one on the current City Council has been in office longer than the two men.
“We’ve agreed. We’ve had some very, very good discussions and we have disagreed on a few things. I have always respected your work, Jason,” Van Harlingen said.
“We were trying to look out for the same thing .. the people in the city of Mansfield. Maybe we went about it in different ways, but it was a pleasure, sir,” Van Harlingen said.
Davenport said he and Lawrence are related by marriage through their grandfathers.
“So he’s not going anywhere,” Davenport said, adding that Lawrence had helped welcome him back to Mansfield a few years ago and helped to re-introduce him back into the community.
“So I want to thank you for all of the support you have given to me,” Davenport said.
Sixth Ward Councilwoman Kimberly Moton also praised Lawrence.
“I want to thank you, Jason, for your dedication and for your hard work for the city of Mansfield,” Moton said.
