Jerry continued his perspective as a city councilmember.  "I like Victoria government to be known as a kind government.  We purchased those three homes on Stieger Lake without even considering condemnation.  I respect the heritage of Victoria and the people who made it what it is.
"We'd like to see downtown develop when developers make it happen.  We're patient.  We want developers to come here on their own because it's to their advantage.  We don't want it to cost taxpayers.  We probably won't need a big-box grocery store, but a small grocery store with a deli would be nice, a place where you can pick up a ready-made meal on the way home from work.
"We want downtown development to happen in a fashion that doesn't make people leave their homes until we have a place for them.  We've got the most beautiful amenity - a small downtown on the edge of lake.  There is a demand for some services, and I think they will come."
Marlene pointed out that Victoria councilmembers are working hard and serving because they love Victoria.  "They don't have an agenda of their own," she said.  "They're not developers.  They have nothing to gain personally."

The immediate future means at least another two years of city council service for the retired Jerry Bohn, and probably some travel.  Together he and Marlene, who visit Mexico for winter-time vacations, have already enrolled in Spanish classes through Community Education.
"There'll be a lot of Spanish people living here one day," said Jerry.  "Father Bob already says a Spanish Mass at Guardian Angels.  And we want to do something mentally stimulating."  Marlene smiled and said, "We'll never live long enough to be fluent!"
But they remain fluent (fluid?) on the dance floor and hope to kick their heels a bit during this "reassessment" time of their lives.  They each spoke of dancing at Victoria's annual Touch of Bavaria and at wedding celebrations.  And there will probably be some surprises for each of them, as there have been in the past.
"I'll never forget when Jerry surprised me with a trip to Vancouver," said Marlene.  "It was the most won-derful romantic trip for us.  He knows I love Canada.  And I surprised Jerry for his 50^th birthday."   Said Jerry, "It was a complete surprise.  I didn't have a clue.  Everybody I knew was there."

We can pick lots and jobs and we can pick surprises.  We can pick corn and beans and even feathers.  But Cupid gets the prize for picking Jerry and Marlene Bohn, whose two hearts beat as one.  Thank you, dear people, for gracing these pages of The Victoria Gazette.  Happy retirement.