Town Celebrates Peter Hechenbleikner's Career

Over 200 people gathered at the Hillview Country Club Thursday evening to celebrate Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner's career. He was Reading's first town manager and he held the position for 26.5 years.

The night started with dinner and then guests watched a slide show with interviews from town employees, state officials and more. Everyone who was interviewed spoke highly of Hechenbleikner and said that he made Reading a better place. During the slide show, Hechenbleikner was credited by several different people for the economic development downtown and on Walkers Brook Drive, switching to MWRA for water, the Fall Street Faire, starting "Ask the Town Manager" and even getting rid of the traffic light, or dummy, on Main Street.

State and town officials spoke at the ceremony. Selectmen Chairman James Bonazoli said that Hechenbleikner's work is known throughout the state and beyond. Bonazoli thanked Hechenbleikner for his dedication and passion for the town.

Swampscott Town Manager Thomas Younger praised Hechenbleikner and said he thought of him not only as a colleague, "but as a friend."

Superintendent John Doherty said that he went to breakfast with the town manager every week. The town of Reading is a stronger community now because of Hechenbleikner, he said. He gave Hechenbleikner credit for starting the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse, something that others left out, Doherty said. Most importantly, Hechenbleikner leaves behind "a legacy" of a great relationship between the town and schools, Doherty said with a smile.

If you were unable to attend the celebration Thursday, there will be a coffee hour in honor of Hechenbleikner on May 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room.

Take a look at the photos and video from Thursday evening.