The Collin County Observer™

Sonja Hammer passed away last night after a long battle with illness.

Sonja was a "true citizen watch dog".

She fought Plano for years to open city records and meetings, and her efforts helped make the citizens better learn the issues in Plano.

Not too long ago, the Plano City "Special Recognition" was given to her by Mayor Dyer and the Plano City Council for being a "timeless champion of open and transparent municipal government".

While she was often an outspoken critic of the city council, she loved Plano. For many years, she volunteered for her city. She served on the Senior Citizens Advisory Board from 2005 - 2009, and she was a graduate of the City of Plano Citizens Academy.

She had been a long time member of the Mary Shirley McGuire Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Last year, the City Council and Mayor Dyer named her an "Outstanding Plano Citizen". In the proclamation:

PLANO
SPECIAL RECOGNITION

SONJA HAMMAR
OUTSTANDING PLANO CITIZEN

WHEREAS, Sonja Hammar has been an active member of the Pl&no community as
a volunteer, advocate, and Senior Citizens Advisory Board member, and

WHEREAS, Sonja is a champion of open and transparent municipal government, working
to improve the way information Is delivered to Plano residents, which has been an asset
in helping the City of Plano improve its communication with the citizens; and

WHEREAS, her interest in the city website has ensured the timely dispersing of City Council and Boards and Commissions agendas and minutes; and

WHEREAS, Sonja can be counted on to see the many sides of discussions involving city policies, particularly those affecting senior residents; and

WHEREAS, Sonja has been tirelessly active in supporting and promoting issues
concerning the city's senior residents; and

WHEREAS, she has worked diligently 10 insure that seniors who are not able to drive have some form of transportation to get their medical appointments end important
engagements; and

WHEREAS, Sonja's tireless work with all issues that impact Plano, especially the
elderly in our community is an inspiration t0 all who come in contact with her;

NOW, THEREFORE,I, PHIL DYER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF PLANO, TEXAS, do hereby bestow Special Recognition upon Sonja Hammar for the outstanding efforts she puts forth on behalf of City of Plano issues involving our senior citizens, and I do thereby encourage all citizens t0 join me and the City Council in recognizing and honoring Sonja's work. You make City a better place

Office of the Mayor

Her ashes will be interned today (Friday) at the Restland Funeral Home in Dallas at 3:00 PM. There are no scheduled services.

She did "make the City a better place."

Bill