2012-6 Remembrances Special EditionCity of Schertz Remembrance Special Edition 2012-6 Presented by: Schertz Historical Preservation Committee
Profile of a Leader – Mayor Hal Baldwin On the morning of April 6, 2012, the City of Schertz and its citizens entered a state of mourning following the announced passing of its beloved leader, Mayor Hal Baldwin. There will be many tributes rightly offered in his name in the weeks and months ahead. Most who knew him considered him first as a friend and secondly as a dedicated and effective City leader. His
personality and astute intellect made him a perfect fit for the position of City Mayor. His success as a public servant was just a continuation of a lifetime of successful leadership accomplishments. Readers may remember the Schertz Tales story written about Hal in the magazine’s March 2008 issue. As the article revealed, Hal was the product of a family that knew what patriotism and service to country meant. His father was a veteran of WWII and a career
Air Force member. Hal answered a call to serve his nation with his enlistment in the U.S. Air Force where he rose to esteemed rank of Senior Master Sargent before retiring with twenty years service in the late 1960s. Following retirement, the desire to serve in the public arena led Hal to accept a position with the City of Schertz. Thus began a forty plus year career as a City of Schertz/Schertz Independent School District employee.
Hal became Mayor in 1994 and served just shy of 18 years in that office. He was instrumental in leading the City through several critical junctures during his terms as Mayor. His leadership was applied to assuring the formation of the Schertz-Seguin Local Government Corporation (SSLGC) that allowed the City to establish a dependable water source rather than being at the
mercy of the Edwards Aquifer Authority for water. He oversaw the widening of FM 78 from a two lane road to its current five lanes. He and the City Council applied plans for “managed growth” for the City and thereby prevented problems often associated with urban growth and development. He led the City Council in its pursuit of expanding commercial and residential development in responsible ways. The Mayor loved his city and devoted his life to its
betterment. He certainly was excited about the city’s future and would have loved to been a part of what is yet to be. The above describes Hal’s career callings and professional leadership accomplishments. But there was much more to Hal Baldwin beyond his devotion to his nation and city. It may be just a
coincident that Hal was called by his maker on Good Friday, the same day we Christians celebrate the passion and death of Jesus Christ. While Hal may not have been among the “sainted” he certainly was a true Christian in his relationships with his fellow man. All who knew him respected his caring approach to issues of his constituents. Another leader in the field of art, Thomas Kinkade, also died the same day as did Hal. Kinkade was known for his ability to
introduce light into his paintings like no other artist could do. Hal too had the ability to bring light and warmth into a relationship whenever he came in contact with others. This was a man blessed with leadership skills that he unselfishly used to the benefit of all Schertz citizens. We will miss him greatly but not forget his contributions to our City.