At the Clarion City Council meeting last Tuesday, Mayor Duane Asbe rapped the gavel for the last time. Afterwards, everyone chuckled since the practice of striking a gavel isn’t really used anymore. Whatever the case, it was a fine ending to over 25 years of service to the City of Clarion.
This past year, Asbe decided to not seek re-election as his four-year mayoral term came to an end. (Rod Heiden will be taking over the position in January.) As Asbe moves out from behind the council table, he reflects back on almost three decades of service to Clarion.
Asbe’s city service started in 1994 when he took up the position of city treasurer. He remained in that position for 15 years. When people in the community suggested Asbe consider a council seat, he ran and won that position. After two terms, when then mayor Mike Nail decided not to run for re-election, Asbe threw his hat in the ring. “I thought I could be of service to Clarion and see some projects in town continue to develop.” He was elected and started his tenure as mayor in January of 2018.
Over the years, Asbe helped guide the city through many noteworthy projects and developments. Ones that stand out for him include Clarion’s continued sewer and water projects, street improvements, improving the appearance of town and additions like the pocket park and development in the White Fox area. He is also proud of how the city handled COVID during his time in office and helping work on projects that will continue to develop into the future, such as the sale of Shopko, the spec building, and the direction of childcare in Clarion.
Asbe credits the city council for the great accomplishments that he has been part of. “I have been surrounded by an excellent council without any adversarial issues for which I thank them as it takes all of us to accomplish anything we do.” He added that the people of Clarion have also made progress possible. “What makes any community is the people and I am thankful to be a part of this community,” Asbe stressed.
As he looks back on 27 years of service, Asbe was humble about the legacy he hopes to leave. He hopes people remember him as a kind individual who is willing to serve and leads by example. He added, “I tried to be positive, do my part and be dependable throughout the years.” He certainly was that, because in his 12 years as a councilman and mayor, he never missed a single city council meeting.
At Asbe’s last council meeting last week, City Administrator Clint Middleton thanked the outgoing mayor for his service to Clarion. “It’s flat out amazing how much time you’ve dedicated to public service,” said Middleton. He also thanked Asbe on a personal level for encouraging him to accept the administrator position. The council also approved a resolution recognizing Asbe for his time on the council and as mayor.
Councilmember Andy Young, who has served on the council for six years, could not have spoken more glowingly about working with the outgoing mayor. “I have truly appreciated and enjoyed our relationship,” Young told Asbe. “You have brought a degree of wisdom to the room. You’re quick to listen and slow to speak because you think out each decision. Thank you for being yourself.”
For his own part, Asbe got a little choked up as he wrapped up his final meeting. “It’s been an honor to serve the city of Clarion,” he said. He thanked city staff, as well as the past, present and new councilmembers and all who have ever run for a public position. He concluded, “I did the best I could throughout the past 27 years. I feel confident I’ve left the city in good hands.”
Even though he’ll no longer serve as mayor, Asbe emphasized that he will not be leaving Clarion behind. He will still be working with the Wright County Charitable Foundation and in his position with Iowa Specialty Hospitals’ Foundation. He plans to stay active with the Lions and continue as a hospice volunteer.
He added that he looks forward to traveling and spending time with his wife Louise, but that he will still be happy to help in Clarion as needed. “I plan to continue to serve Clarion and the community in other capacities. I am passionate about this community and take pride in our rural town and am willing to continue to support it any way I can,” emphasized Asbe. And as he wraps up nearly three decades of service, Asbe says he is proud of his time with Clarion. “It has been an honor to serve in this civic duty capacity of which I was elected and represent the citizens of Clarion.”
As the outgoing mayor adjourned the council meeting for the final time last week, Councilmember Young summed up Asbe’s service perfectly. “He left Clarion in a better place than he found it. Clarion and every town in the world need more people like Duane Asbe.”
