A Mayor’s Life -
More Than Just Meetings

[JAN 27, 2000]  Nine women sit around a table at the local diner. They drink coffee, discuss their plans for the week and proudly show off the latest photos of their grandchildren. One of these women, Mayor Joan Ritter, calls this group her “coffee friends.” And there is only one rule--no talking about city politics.
“I’m there to enjoy their friendship,” she says.

As mayor, she spends most of her time overseeing the daily operations of Lincoln. Whether she is preparing for a city council meeting or volunteering time at a local elementary school, Mrs. Ritter says her aim is to serve and promote positive growth in the community. But she is quick to point out that serving the community as mayor is more than simply attending meetings. Good communication, service and positive representation of the community are all part of the job.

A typical day as mayor of Lincoln begins around 7:30 a.m., and is full of a variety of responsibilities. She communicates regularly with city officials to address any issues and concerns facing the community, and works with them to determine the best possible solutions. “I believe in being fair,” she explains, “what’s good for one is good for another.”

Taking time to help out in local schools is something Mrs. Ritter enjoys and thinks is important. “I want to be supportive of the schools,” she says, which explains why she often can be found reading to a classroom of elementary students or participating in Veteran’s Day and Flag Day ceremonies.

Mrs. Ritter personally handles all of her correspondence. Any time someone contacts her, whether it is by a phone call or a letter, she responds. Additionally, she maintains communication with the state legislature and works to receive grant money to help support community projects. She also drops in on Lincoln businesses, just to see how things are going and ask how she can help.

Mrs. Ritter also participates in several committees, and attends at least one county board meeting each month. Also, she serves as the co-chairperson of the Healthy Community Partnership and acts as the local liquor commissioner.

With all of the responsibilities as mayor, Mrs. Ritter often finds herself working weekend and evening hours. But, she says that it is all worth it. “I knew [being mayor] would be a big responsibility…but I don’t see any disadvantages,” she explains. “I enjoy being able to serve the community.”

So, when she finally has some spare time, Mrs. Ritter enjoys the outdoors and traveling with her husband, Bill, a retired state highway patrol officer. The Ritters have lived in Lincoln since 1971 and will soon celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. They are the parents of two grown children, Brian and Melissa, and the grandparents of four grandchildren

Mrs. Ritter cites the friendliness of the community and the excellent educational system as the factors that drew her and her husband here. “We had our choice of cities, and we chose Lincoln,” she says.

[Katherine Heller]