Several people from far and near came to join Mayor Bruce Packer as he dedicated a bench, covered with Former Mayor Hahn favorite teams flag, The Fighting Irish – Notre Dame, in memory of former Glen Rock Mayor Richard “Dick” Hahn in front of Glen Rocks Borough Hall. Mayor Packer was joined by Current councilmen Skip Huisking, Mike O’hagan and Art Pazan.
Mayor Packer remembered the wonderful meetings he had with former Mayor Hahn weeks before he passed, where former Mayor shared new ideas to help guide our future. He also shared many points about him and his influence on todays Mayor and Council.
Richard moved in to Glen Rock in 1958. While involved with the community through the GR CIVIC Association, he raised 8 amazing children Christa, John, Laura, Barbara. Elizabeth, Patti, Gerry and Kate.
Since moving to Glen Rock, Dick got involved with the town starting with the GR CIVIC Association. Because he Loved Glen Rock and wanted to serve the people of town whether or not you were Republican or democrat, he ran and was elected mayor in 2000. He only served until 2004. During that time Richard made an impact in borough government and the residents lives. One of the things that he did was streamlined meetings by adding the consent agenda, which helped save a lot of time during council meetings. He also loved being mayor and it was fun despite having an obstinate council that blocked everything he proposed.
During his Mayor years, Dick loved talking to the people. Because of this and wanting to be available to the residents, he started the weekly Meet the Mayor at Starbucks, which was then carried on by Former mayor John Van Keuren. Which, as BTN was told, will be returning shortly.
Several of former Mayor Hahn’s children stood up and remembered how being mayor was his favorite thing. He considered Glen Rock his bigger backyard.
I’d say that Dick Hahn was the first major to try to apply a professional management techniques to municipal government. He challenged the status quo, and stepped up when the borough needed leadership. He was a caring and intelligent man who did a lot for Glen Rock. He was well-loved and a source of great joy for those of us fortunate enough to have been close to him. He was a good friend.
Mark McCullough
