BETHLEHEM — Outgoing town board members — Supervisor John Clarkson, Julie Sasso and Giles Wagoner — took time at their final meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 13, to say a few words.
“I have enjoyed immensely my service as town supervisor,” said Clarkson. “It’s been six years, three terms, 138 board meetings, I think, if I counted correctly.
“I enjoy it still,” he said. “But all things pass and I’m happy moving on to the next challenge, whatever it may be.”
“I want to thank the town staff,” said Sasso. “I have really enjoyed working with you; I’ve been impressed with your dedication and the hard work that you give to the community. I also want to thank the various members of the boards and citizen committees that we have in our town. The level of expertise and commitment that they bring to our town — by and large, for free — is really impressive and it really makes our community a better place. And, finally, I want to thank the incoming town board.”
She also thanked the incoming town board members for their willingness to serve and wished them luck in the coming year.
“I’ve really enjoyed the last year here, serving the community on the board,” said Wagoner. “It’s been a really enjoyable experience and it’s been just a pleasure working with the rest of my board members and the rest of the town staff.”
Wagoner commended the years that Clarkson and Sasso served on the board, saying that the town is better off for their service. “I wish you a lot of luck in your next endeavors, wherever they may take you.”
Supervisor-elect David VanLuven thanked Sasso and Wagoner for the time they spent on the board together, saying, “Your insights and perspectives have been invaluable and you will be greatly missed. It was an honor to get to sit at the table with you.
“And, John,” he said, “while we don’t always agree on everything, your courage as supervisor, your integrity, and your absolute commitment to the wellbeing of the town and the town employees is truly something to be treasured. The town will be better off tomorrow because of you, and in 10, 20, 30 years.”
Board member Joyce Becker noted that she has worked with Clarkson and Sasso “on both sides of this table cloth.” She commended their vision, action and integrity. “I thank you,” she said.
Of Wagoner, she said, “ Giles has created his own Giles style. He is a man of maybe just a few words, but he says a lot with just a few words and I thank you.”
Town Attorney Jim Potter also weighed in. “John, Julie, Giles: I’ve seen you handle, from my perspective, an awful lot of difficult problems and issues in your tenure on the board and throughout that time you’ve handled it with hard work, dedication, integrity, but most of all with good judgment. The town certainly appreciates your service and we’ll all miss your presence here.”
