Hartwell City Manager David Aldrich announced plans to retire

Hartwell City Manager David Aldrich announced his intention to retire at Monday’s meeting of the Hartwell mayor and council. Aldrich read a brief statement during the meeting which expressed his love for Hartwell and his 13 years at his current position.

WLHR News talked with Aldrich about the decision. He first talked about the reason for choosing to retire.

“I have been thinking about it for a while, and I actually have no family in this area. My daughter and my only two grandchildren live in Newnan, which is southwest of Atlanta and they have really wanted us to be there nearby. I was beginning to think about here it is with me, if something were to happen to me, who would be there to sort of watch over my wife? So, we made the decision to move to Newnan,” said Aldrich.

The city manager said one of them had already moved and the other was commuting on weekends.

“We have actually, we have already purchased a house in Newnan and she is living there. She is working full time at a CPA firm in Newnan. I’m actually already past retirement age. I could have retired earlier, but I like what I do. I like the area and the location, but it seemed like the timing was right and so I did announce that I would be retiring, and I would like to make it effective at the end of June,” said Aldrich.

Aldrich concluded by talking about his time as Hartwell’s city manager.

“It’s been a great run here, great, great location, great, great people. You know, I love this city. I’ve tried to do the best job I possibly could for this city. I don’t have any real regrets. I gave them all I have for, when I go out it will be over 13 years. It is sort of bittersweet. I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life, however, it is sort of tough to go away from something you have been doing for so long and you feel like that’s your calling. That’s all I know how to do,” said Aldrich.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and council members all expressed their appreciation for Aldrich’s service to the city over the past 13 years.