Councilmember David Lane Bids Farewell After Eight Impactful Years on the Council

After 42 years of dedicated public service, Councilmember David Lane is preparing to bid farewell to his role in Lake Havasu City. His final council meeting is set for Tuesday, marking the end of a significant chapter as he transitions responsibilities to David Diaz, who won his seat in the July elections alongside incumbents Nancy Campbell and Cameron Moses.

A California native, Lane has resided in Lake Havasu City for the past 15 years. At 17, he enlisted in the Air Force, serving honorably until he was 21. His career continued with the California Highway Patrol, where he dedicated three decades of service after being inspired by an armed robbery he witnessed as a teenager.

Lane’s entry into local politics began with his candidacy for the City Council in 2016. Motivated by a contentious 2014 election that tarnished the city’s image and hampered economic development, he felt compelled to contribute positively. His personal commitment to community welfare was further intensified after the birth of his grandson on election day.

His initial intention was to serve a maximum of two terms, a commitment he fulfilled after winning reelection in 2020. During his second term, Lane confronted one of the most challenging crises—the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of unity within the council during this tumultuous period.

“We had people yelling at us that we weren’t doing enough and others saying we were doing too much,” Lane noted. This delicate balancing act was crucial, as the community looked for a united front from its leaders.

In response to the economic struggles posed by the pandemic, Lane played a pivotal role in forming a coalition involving local business organizations and health foundations. Their efforts provided vital relief to businesses impacted by restrictive measures, allowing many to remain afloat during the crisis.

Moreover, Lane championed the creation of Cypress Park, which began as a contentious proposal. He proactively engaged with locals to understand community sentiments, ultimately facilitating a project that transformed an underutilized area into recreational soccer fields.

Throughout his tenure, Lane contributed to various boards, including the Go Lake Havasu board and the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce. His commitment to the community is not waning with his departure from leadership roles; he intends to remain active, emphasizing the ongoing work required in areas such as community engagement and sports field development.

As Lane steps down, he looks forward to family time and even brushing up on his Italian for an upcoming cruise. Reflecting on his time, he expressed his appreciation for the collaborative spirit of the council and the community. “Good things are happening in Havasu, and they will continue to happen even when I’m no longer there,” Lane concluded.