Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Thanks for service in thankless jobs

As we start the new year, I want to say thanks to recently retired elected officials.

People have a tendency to look down their noses at "politicians." I hear that in some parts of the country, newly elected officials routinely fire government employees and appoint their cronies upon being elected. Connection is more important than qualification.

Being from the Pacific Northwest, I haven't seen much of that. Overall, I'd say our local politicians have kept one goal in mind above all others, and that's serving the public in their jobs. Sure, there are plenty of times that I want them to do things in a different way, but I respect them for undertaking what are often thankless, low paying or unpaid jobs that most people are afraid to tackle.

We've had several elected officials end their terms of office in 2009.

On the Cathlamet Town Council, Councilor Bill Talbott and Mayor Dick Swart have retired. Talbott was the real maverick on the council and made his colleagues jump at times with sharp insightful questions and comments. Swart brought a high level of professionalism and dedication to the job of mayor and set a high standard for his successors.

Nancy McGuire has ended her term on the Naselle Grays River Valley School District board of directors, and Willie Johnson completed his tenure on the Wahkiakum School Board. Like Talbott did for the council, Willie brought a level of insight to the school board that benefited the district well.

LeRoy Burns retired from the board of commissioners of Port District No. 1 after serving over 30 years. That dedication is hard to beat. I'll miss him, for he often made the top unquotable quote of the week in the meetings I attend.

Congressman Brain Baird has announced his retirement at the end of 2010. There's another guy who has worked hard for the issues pertaining to our area. We'll be lucky to get a successor who takes as much time to learn about our needs and concerns.

Although we have to wait till June for declarations of candidacy, the political season isn't far off.

There are many people already running for Baird's position, and school levy elections just ahead for the local school districts.

The vote-by-mail ballots will be mailed to voters on January 22.

 

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