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Central Point mayor wins a 'big city' award Hank Williams wins the 2015 Mayor's Leadership Award in the 'large cities' category Comment By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 2, 2015 at 4:24 PM Updated Sep 2, 2015 at 5:29 PM By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 2, 2015 at 4:24 PM Updated Sep 2, 2015 at 5:29 PM » Social News A big fan of small-town atmosphere, Central Point Mayor Hank Williams admits he got a chuckle when he was given the 2015 Mayor's Leadership Award in the “large cities” category at the Oregon Mayor's Association summer conference. During more than a dozen years in office, Williams has watched things grow significantly, but he said he has worked hard to maintain the things that keep his beloved town from feeling too big. “I guess we're a large city compared to Prineville, but we aren't exactly a large city compared to, say, Eugene or Portland," Williams said. “Whether we’re considered a large city or not, I was honored to get the award. It means we’re all doing a good job down here.” A Klamath Falls native who still owns the farmhouse he was born in, Williams, 79, moved to Central Point for his banking career in 1966. Mayor since 2002, Williams has been re-elected four times. The one time he was challenged, in 2004, he beat Charles Collins by a landslide — 4,509 to 1,630. Williams said his first few years in office were spent nurturing important relationships. Believing that the “mayor sets the tone in relationships” within the community, Williams said his philosophy has been that members of a community “can accomplish much more if we work together.” Those who work with Williams said he is respected for having an easygoing approach, but he can be tough when necessary. City Manager Chris Clayton said Williams puts in the time and effort that would be expected of a mayor from a far larger city. “Hank is fun to work with. I've been with him so long, and he just has been great for the city. The great thing about Hank is he has so many relationships in the valley,” Clayton said. “I think one of the reasons he lives in Central Point and wants to be mayor there is he feels like the town mirrors his own values, and the community really loves Hank.” Clayton applauded Williams’ efforts in forging strong ties with the local school district, fairgrounds and chamber, and for helping the city make strong fiscal decisions to weather the recession. Clayton said Williams “led the charge” in challenging rates and other issues with the Medford Water Commission last year. “He prefers to only have to deal with things that are positive in nature, but if something needs to be confronted, he’s definitely not afraid to do that, either,” said Clayton. Humbled by the recognition, Williams said his service on various boards and commissions “gives me something to do.” “I’m really pleased about the whole thing because it recognizes not just me but us as a city. It is a bit of recognition for all the meetings I go to, just trying to get everybody to work together. We're all members of the same community, so we don’t want to fight with the school district or the fair,” Williams said. “We’re all on the same side so might as well maintain good working relationships. It’s a year and a half before the next election, and I’m getting pressure already to run again. I guess I must be doing OK.” Buffy Pollock is a freelance writer living in Medford. Email her at [email protected] By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 2, 2015 at 4:24 PM Updated Sep 2, 2015 at 5:29 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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