Marlene Wagner: A Lifetime of Service

Lake Hamilton Vice Mayor presented with E. Harris Drew Award

by Kelli Gemmer, Florida League of Cities

Marlene Wagner, Lake Hamilton Vice Mayor, was presented with the E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Florida League of Cities (FLC) annual conference. Presented annually, this award is the League’s highest honor.

The prestigious award is named for Supreme Court Justice E. Harris Drew, who coined the League’s motto: Local self-government, the key to American democracy. Drew was appointed to Florida’s Supreme Court while serving as the League’s First Vice President, and he remained an advocate of local government throughout his career. In his honor, this award recognizes local elected officials who have made lasting and worthwhile contributions to the citizens of Florida through their efforts and dedication in the performance of their duties at the local level.

“Marlene never turns down an opportunity to serve or help in any way,” said Tony Ortiz, City of Orlando Commissioner and FLC Immediate Past President. “She is the embodiment of a dedicated local government official and truly has a servant’s heart. On behalf of the Florida League of Cities and its members, we’re honored to recognize Marlene and her dedicated service.”

Since moving to the Town of Lake Hamilton in 2000, Wagner has been active in local government – first attending Town Council meetings as a citizen and subsequently winning her seat as Mayor in an unopposed election in 2006. During her tenure as Mayor, Wagner was instrumental in the inception and implementation of numerous city projects, including:

▸ Securing construction of a new, upgraded water treatment facility.

▸ Bringing a Polk County Fire and Rescue substation to the Town.

▸ Petitioning and building support with residents for the installation of a traffic signal on Highway 27 and Main Street.

▸ Creating an interlocal agreement with the neighboring Town of Dundee to assist with wastewater treatment.

▸ Spearheading construction of a Veteran’s Memorial Wall.

In 2019, Wagner stepped down as Mayor after 13 years but continues to serve the Town as Vice Mayor. In addition to contributing to her Town, Wagner is an active member of the Ridge League of Cities, where she has served as President, Treasurer, Secretary and Vice President. She also serves on several FLC committees, has served on its Board of Directors for the past four years and is a four-time recipient of the League’s Home Rule Hero award. Wagner also serves as a board member for the Florida League of Mayors.

“I’m speechless,” said Wagner. “There are so many people throughout the state that have done so much for their cities. I sincerely appreciate being selected among my fellow city officials to receive this award.”

She was nominated for the E. Harris Drew Award by Mayor Michael Kehoe and Council Member Barrett O’Neill. Recognizing her drive and commitment to her community, they explain how Wagner has not let her assistive device for walking slow her down. For example, she was recently a panelist on the FLCitiesStrong webinar on the topic of the Americans with Disabilities Act. They said, “She was proud to discuss her limitations with using a motorized scooter at conferences and meetings; however, that does not stop her from being active and involved in state, county and local government.”

Kelli Gemmer is the Assistant Editor for the Florida League of Cities.

(From left) Florida League of Cities Executive Director/CEO Jeannie Garner, Lake Hamilton Vice Mayor Marlene Wagner, FLC Immediate Past President Tony Ortiz, FLC President Phillip Walker and FLC First Vice President Jolien Caraballo.

Photo courtesy of Bonnie Gaupp