Niceville councilman named Home Rule Hero

NICEVILLE, Fla. — The Florida League of Cities (FLC) recently recognized Niceville City Councilman Bill Schaetzle with a 2022 Home Rule Hero Award for his hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2022 Legislative Session, according to the FLC.

“The City of Niceville would like to congratulate Councilman Schaetzle on this well-deserved honor,” said a statement on City Manager Lannie Corbin’s Facebook Page.

Schaetzle worked tirelessly throughout the session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities, and advance the League’s legislative agenda, according to the FLC.

“On behalf of the League and its legislative team, we’re very proud to present this year’s Home Rule Hero Awards to a deserving group of municipal leaders,” said FLC Director of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook.

“We had a record number of Home Rule Heroes this year, which shows the dedication and impact of local officials on behalf of their residents and businesses in protecting local decision-making. These local officials were constantly engaged and actively advocating for their communities throughout the 2022 Legislative Session. They’re heroes for Home Rule and we thank them for their efforts.”

Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference.

Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently respond to the League’s request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.

Bill Schaetzle and his wife, Claudene, moved to Niceville in 1999.

He was first elected to the city council in August 2011.