City councilwoman enters Hall of Fame

GAINESVILLE - She laughed when the suggestion was made that her jersey would someday be retired and hung in the City Council meeting room, but Councilwoman Myrtle Figueras became emotional and teary-eyed when inducted into the Georgia Municipal Association's Hall of Fame last Monday.

The cause for the emotional buildup was due in part to the fact that she did not realize that she was at the ceremony in Savannah as one of those being enshrined.

It was a secret kept by the Council, as well as the fact that her family would be present in the auditorium to witness her induction.

The Hall of Fame honors municipal officials who best exemplify the  service aspect of public service to their communities. Figueras was also recognized for her service to the GMA and the GMA Board of Directors.

As a member of the Gainesville City Council since 1996, Figueras figured prominently in the realization of the Frances Meadows Aquatic and Community Center, the Neighborhood Planning Unit established in her ward, and the 16-county Short Term Waste Water Treatment Plan.

"My joy in being on this Council," Figueras said, "is finding people that I can work with, talk with, and share my opinions and they respect my opinions. That's my greatest joy."

Figueras is a retired educator who has served two stints as Mayor of Gainesville, in 2001-2001 and 2008-2009.

She is also the third individual from Gainesville to enter the Hall of Fame joining former City Manager Carlyle Cox and former Mayor John Cromartie.