With an election next week for the St. Joseph City Commission, two members of the body are hanging up their hats. During a Monday meeting, Commissioner Jeff Richards and Mayor Mike Garey were saluted for their service. Richards has served for 37 years, and Garey for 22 years. Former City Manager Frank Walsh recounted some of the city’s accomplishments during that time as he cited downtown revitalization and improvements to the band shell, the ice arena, and Silver Beach Center. Mayor Pro Tem Laura Goos thanked both.
“To have had the opportunity to learn from two people that were generous with their experience and patient with sometimes the impatient new people, it was extraordinary.”
Mayor Garey thanked everyone, starting with city staff.
“They’re the ones who make it work. They’re the ones, day to day, putting in the effort. You drive by here at night, the lights are on.”
Richards was emotional as he thanked family.
“The families have to spend a lot of time without their people who are public servants. So I want to thank you first.”
Commissioner Lynn Todman said the city is losing a lot of institutional knowledge with Richards and Garey leaving, calling them “walking history books.” For his last meeting, Mayor Garey asked Richards to do the honors to bang the gavel as the commission adjourned. Each was given an honorary street sign with his name on it.
