On September 22, 2009 Hilmar Moore celebrated a 60 year run as Richmond Mayor. The choice that started on September 22, 1949 to fill an unexpired two-year mayoral term turned into a lifelong venture as Moore won 29 consecutive mayoral elections over the years. His loyalty to office is a quality that Richmond residents can be proud to have on their side.

The secret to his success lies not in his own efforts but in “extremely good” city staff, particularly city managers that Moore has worked with. His time in office, believed to be the nation’s longest-tenured position currently in service, has been one of team work and success. Moore said of his team, “I just let them do what they know how to do which is run the city.”

To celebrate his time in office he was honored in 2008 with a statute in front of City Hall. Of the statue he said “I thought it was for dead people, I may look dead, but I am not.” His sense of humor and straightforward attitude have kept him in honor and respect in the community. He is very much alive and plans to run again in 2010. When asked if he could be a mayor at the age of 100, he pondered and answered, “Now that, is a long time.”

Source: www.chron.com, www.khou.com