City Unveils Mayor Gunther Hirsch Government Center

Havre de Grace's municipal building now bares the name of a man who had much to do with its construction.

Havre de Grace's Dr. Gunther D. Hirsch served as the city's mayor from 1989 to 1997, and was honored Wednesday morning at a ceremony where the new sign on City Hall was unveiled.

Mayor Wayne H. Dougherty said Hirsch is known for his compassion for helping everyone he came into contact with, and added that Hirsch's ability to relate with residents made him a good mayor.

"He is a spirited man who loves his community," Dougherty said, before acknowledging all of Hirsch's family members who came out to show support.

City Council president Bill Martin said he can't go a day inside City Hall without an employee mentioning Hirsch or something he had accomplished for the city.

County Executive David Craig, a Havre de Grace native and history buff, said Hirsch had the third longest-term as mayor, serving eight years in the city's government.

Craig recalled a humorous story about city officials who were planning to name one of Havre de Grace's park's after him. He said former Councilman Joe Kochenderfer (often known as "Joe K") came to his home and said he didn't think they should name a park after Craig because, "I think you should be dead." Craig laughed as he told the story of Joe K's opinion about waiting until postmortem to name buildings and green spaces after public officials.

Craig reflected on Hirsch's first run for office when he reversed his initials to read "HDG" to reflect his dedication to Havre de Grace.
He also said Hirsch, who was born in Germany, is just one of two mayors who were born in another country.

When Hirsch addressed the audience outside of City Hall, he jokingly said he was instructed by his wife to keep his speech short.

After thanking the current council for the honor, he joked, "they forgot to tell you what a pain I was."

Hirsch said constructing the government complex was met with some resistance because some residents saw it as an intrusion into their comfort zone.

"Moving on is painful but you can't help it," he said. Growth must take place, he added, to keep up with the development of the city or else an area becomes derelict.

Hirsch said his time as mayor was meaningful to him, and that once you serve as mayor, you never lose the title.

"Mayor is possibly in the United States, one of the most cherished retirements. Not that you're getting any pension," he joked, before adding that the changes you can make live on after your service.

Hirsch also served as a member of City Council from 1983 to 1989 and served as council president from 1986 to 1987.