Sen. Hansell reflects on 12 years of service in final speech

Published 5:00 am Friday, December 13, 2024

SALEM — Sen. Bill Hansell delivered his final speech Thursday, Dec. 12, to the Oregon Senate, reflecting on his 12 years of service and the privilege of representing Oregonians in the state’s legislative body.

As he prepares for retirement, the Republican from Athena emphasized the rare honor of being one of only 30 individuals at any given time to hold the position of Oregon state senator.

“I believe it’s important to reflect on how special this job is,” Hansell said in his farewell address, according to a news release from the Oregon Senate Republican Caucus. “Out of over four million Oregonians, only 30 senators have the privilege to wear the Senate pin at any given time. It’s a responsibility I’ve taken with the utmost respect, and I’ve learned just how rare and special this role really is.”

As part of his final speech, Hansell shared mementos of his time in office. He presented framed, signed posters from each of the six Senate sessions he served in, displaying the autographs of all 180 members who worked alongside him during those years. Hansell is donating these posters, which are believed to be the only complete collection of their kind, to the Secretary of the Senate’s Office as a symbol of his deep appreciation for the people with whom he served.

Hansell also took a moment to honor the lasting connections he made with his colleagues, according to the news release. Of the 30 senators who served alongside him during his first year, five are in office today: Brian Boquist, Fred Girod, Tim Knopp, Floyd Prozanski and himself. Over the course of his tenure, 62 other individuals had the privilege of wearing the Senate pin.

He concluded his speech with words of advice for those who continue to serve: “Wear your pin with dignity and honor, as you represent the people of Oregon. You are part of a very exclusive, very special group. You are one in a seven-millionth of 1%.”

Hansell’s dedication to public service has left an indelible mark on Oregon, according to the Oregon Senate Republican Caucus, and his colleagues and constituents will continue to benefit from his legacy of leadership, integrity and commitment to his state.