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Former Kissimmee City Commissioner Richard Herring PHOTO/CITY OF KISSIMMEE
Richard Herring, who spent 1987-91 on the Kissimmee City Commission, and many years after that continuing to leave a legacy in Kissimmee, passed away April 4, the city announced this week. He was 81.
Herring’s legacy lives on in Kissimmee Lakefront Park; he co-founded the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial, a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the American and Filipino soldiers who fought during World War II. The monument came about through the work of retired Philippine diplomat Menandoro M. de Mesa, and Herring, who lived in the Philippines as a boy when his father was stationed at the U.S. Clark Air Base. Commissioned in 1995, it is the only statue among the handful of Bataan-Corregidor memorials in the U.S.
Current city commissioner Angela Eady, who first won election to the board in 2016, said Herring had been, “Like an adviser to me.”
“I was told early on, ‘You want to know what’s going on in order to make decisions based on what’s going on in Kissimmee? Richard is your man,’” Eady said. “That was seven or eight years ago, and he was always willing to help those with that kind of role with the city. We didn’t always see eye to eye but he respected the role, and he respected all views.”
It was that “citizens-should-act” attitude that helped him win election in 1987. An owner of an office supply business, he called himself in a published election preview, “The most politically active non-elected person in the county,” and called for more citizen involvement in government.
That involvement included taking elected and other city officials to task for how public funds were used. In 1988, he asked for a grand jury to look into the then-Clerk of Court oversight of county finances. City Manager Mike Steigerwald joined the city after Herring left the Commission but still served on the city Planning Board and said, even after leaving the Commission, Herring was, "A great vocal supporter of the city, always making sure the city did the right things since he was very well-versed on city codes and state laws ... he was a good resource."
Jeremy Lanier, who’s family has been in local business in Kissimmee for decades and now holds a community relations role with Toho Water Authority, said his eloquence and ability to argue his point with passion was matched by his kindness and love for our community.
“He was an amazing man, who knew the ins and outs of local politics and could spot a shyster a mile away,” Lanier said. “I only wish more local businesses owners and residents knew how much he did during his time in office, and after. They would most surely thank him for his service. No amount of words can express our sorrow at his passing. I’ll serve others with kindness, as Richard would, and remember him fondly as I work to make the world a little brighter again.”
This is a developing story. Check www.AroundOsceola. com for updates.
