Longtime Mt. Vernon mayor Eden honored for service to city at reception

Former mayor, alderman hangs it up after decades of community leadership; gets resolution from state legislature
 
About 30 people gathered at a reception held prior to the Mt. Vernon Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday, June 9, to honor the now-former mayor David Eden for his years of service to Mt. Vernon as mayor and alderman. Eden served as mayor for 16 years and alderman for four years; he decided not to run for re-election as mayor this year.
During the reception, several people brought Eden tokens of appreciation for his service, including cards and gifts. He was also presented with resolutions for the Missouri House and Senate, honoring him for his years of service.
During the reception, Eden took time to speak with those who came to wish him well and thanked them for their attendance. Asked to give a speech, Eden spoke briefly on his memories of serving the city, calling it a “very good experience” and “a learning experience like none I’ve ever had.”
Eden also thanked the city staff.
“I really appreciate everybody who’s served up here. It’s made my life really, really simple,” he said. “The city staff, they have been unbelievably hard working; I appreciate everything they’ve done. I’ll miss seeing you guys.”
Now that he has more free time, Eden said he plans to travel, and also catch up on some things he’s been meaning to get done.
“There’s a lake house project I’d like to get finished,” he said.
On his last night as mayor, Eden said he would miss working with the people he’s come to know over the last 20 years.
“(I’ll miss) all of the people I got to interact with, because it’s always (about) the people,” he said.
Missouri State Rep. Mike Moon, who was on hand for Eden’s reception, said Eden possessed several admirable qualities. “I have come to know Dave as mayor,” he said. “I’ve known him for about a dozen years, and I’ve always seen him as a kind, humble man. He seems to be even-keeled, able to get along with just about everyone he knows. As he retires, I wish him well, and I hope he and Martha have a great retirement “together.
Dave Hubert, chief of the Mt. Vernon Police Department, also had several good things to say about his former boss.
“He’s a great guy,” Hubert said.
He’s been the best boss I’ve ever had. He’s had one agenda, and that is to be the best for the City of Mt. Vernon. That’s the only agenda he’s ever had. It’s been a great pleasure working with him.”