Hal Cole honored for 25 years of serving South Lake Tahoe

Hal Cole, the longest serving City Councilmember in South Lake Tahoe, was honored in a ceremony during Tuesday's Council meeting, his last one after 20.5 years on the dais.

Cole chose not to run for a sixth term this November.

He started off his public service career in 1990 when he was named to the SLT Building Board of Appeals, was a part of the development of the Bijou Community Plan in 1993 as a Planning Commission. In 1994, Cole moved over to the City Council and was elected to a four-year term five times. During that tenure he was the City's Mayor an unprecedented six times.

Current Mayor Wendy David said of Cole, "He is a leader who is focused with a love for his community."

Cole was honored for something he is very proud of, the welcome sign on Highway 50 outside of the airport.

It was Cole's vision in 1994 that made the sign a reality. He worked with artist Dan Jones and engineer Randy Vogelgesang in creating what appears to be a boulder in the shape of Lake Tahoe attached to a tree. Several locals donated time, money and equipment to create and install the sign which has now greeting the passerby for 22 years. Cole can often be found talking to the people who stop by the sign to take a photo as they enter South Lake Tahoe.

As a thank you for his years of service, the City presented Cole with a plaque that will now rest at the base of his sign.

"I've always had a hard time saying goodbye," said Cole during his ceremony. "I've had a real hard time watching the Peyton Manning commercials," he added, referring to the retired football quarterback who has a tough time retiring.

During Cole's tenure the community changed from an aging 1960s look with motels lining Highway 50, leftovers from a glitzy, casino based beginning.

He, along with Councilmember Tom Davis, was part of the team that helped move the Stateline area of South Lake Tahoe into the updated Alpine town look it is today that both locals and visitors can enjoy.

"It took many years and a lot of times I thought, 'why do it?,'" said Cole. He reflected on how polarizing it was at the same time that it created an "incredible" outcome. "I still know to this day, if we didn't do it, you the community would be asking, 'What are you going to do about it?"

"I appreciate where we started," said Cole, " and I look forward to where we're going."

He also offered advice to those contemplating running for office. "I was just a small part in a big machine but we all push together to get it done," said Cole. "Take a chance, just do it."