Maitland City Talk

Webster’s defines a “statesman” as a “wise, skillful and respected political leader.” The Honorable James G. Houser, former mayor of Maitland, was just such a man. Mayor Houser passed away on July 17, 2011. The city of Maitland has honored his memory by installing a bench with a plaque commemorating his service to the city in a park located off Horatio Avenue near the Nina Canal overpass.

The bench was donated by the Maitland Men’s Club, of which Mayor Houser was a founding member. The Men’s Club annually celebrates its top charitable service member by awarding him the “James G. Houser Service Award”.

Awards and service accolades were commonplace for Mayor Houser. He exemplified service, honor and commitment. A brilliant MIT-educated mathematician and a skilled woodworker, he didn’t flaunt his superior intellect or talents. He had them, but he used them gently. Mayor Houser was a gentleman at all times and a mentor and friend to countless Maitland-area residents. He was the consummate statesman. He had the gift of the velvet hammer. Even in disagreement, his famous line was: “Let’s just agree to disagree.”

Mayor Houser was versed in the art of government, but most importantly, he was a devoted husband and father. After his wife of 60-plus years, Peggie, passed away in February 2009, he arranged to have installed a bench in her honor in the same park where his now sits, with a plaque honoring her, and he regularly walked the few blocks to the park, and sat there quietly, sometimes with friends, sometimes with his loving daughters, occasionally eating a sandwich, just peacefully communing with nature and spending time with his memories of Peggie. Now his bench sits cozily next to hers. It’s a loving tribute.

The three-acre park was acquired by the city from Bernice Voshell in 1977. The area near the benches became known as the “Jim Houser Azalea Gardens” in 1993 because Mayor Houser had been instrumental in making the lovely azalea gardens a reality.

Mayor Houser made a lot of things a reality in Maitland. His list of accomplishments and contributions to the city is so long, and so distinguished; it’s practically an embarrassment of riches. His early service in planning and advisory boards dates back to 1960, and subsequently included long stints on several boards and committees dedicated to police and fire pensions, personnel, planning and zoning, electrical power, finance, and fiscal policy. He served as mayor of Maitland from 1978 through 1984, and was re-appointed twice to finish the unexpired terms of office for Bill Donegan and Keith White, during 1988 and again in 2001. If you add that up, his service to Maitland spanned over 40 years.

So, the next time you have a moment, drop by the Jim Houser Azalea Gardens and sit down and reflect a moment on the remarkable life and community service record of Mayor Houser. It’ll be time well-spent.

—Phil Bonus

Maitland City Councilman

City Council Agenda of Dec. 12

City Council meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 12 in the Council Chambers, 1776 Independence Lane. Below are items that will be addressed at that meeting.

Special Presentation:

Healthy Central Florida Initiative — Jill Hamilton Buss, Executive Director

Update — Environmental Protection Agency Numeric Nutrient Criteria — Marissa Williams, Lakes Management

Public Hearing:

Ordinance Amending Chapter 6 — Fire Protection and Prevention

Consent Agenda:

Approve Council minutes of Nov. 28

Receive Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes of Oct. 5

Cancel Council meeting of Dec. 26

Modify Library contribution

Decision Items:

Resolution — No smoking in city parks – Requested by Mayor Schieferdecker

Appointments

Lakes Advisory Board (2)

Orange County Civic Facilities Authority Nomination (1)

Engineering Services Contract – AVCON

Joint Participation Agreement – 17-92 Signal Lights

Discussion Item:

Florida's Department of Transportation “Art in Transit” Program – Requested by Councilman Bonus

For updates, visit www.itsmymaitland.com