 Board member and parliamentarian David Hepler presented the awards
with individual comments that others later agreed were accurate
depictions of the dedication and strengths that each person brought
to their position.
The following is a summary of Hepler's presentation comments and
each person's responses.
Mary Ellen Bruns, Logan County treasurer
(Note: The hour was growing late and awards had been put off to
the end of the meeting, with a reception to follow.)
Hepler began: "If I tried to tell you all the things that this
lady has done, we wouldn't get out of here and you'd be trying to
get me off the board.
"We've (Bruns and Hepler) had many conversations at 7 in the
morning. Many a time I've been going to my office thinking that I'm
working hard trying to get in there at 7; and I go by (the
courthouse) and I see this person's already at work, and many a time
it's been on a weekend.
"Without the work of the treasurer's office, we simply couldn't
function. (Finance chairman) Chuck Ruben can attest to that."
With genuine tone of appreciation, Hepler presented Mary Ellen
Bruns her award citing 34 1/2 years' dedication of faithful service
to the people of Logan County.
A tearful Bruns said: "It has been my pleasure and honor. I've
appreciated all the help I've had. I couldn't have done it without
my staff and without too many people to name them all. So, thank you
very much."
Gloria Luster, Logan County Board member 2001-2005, 2006-2010
Hepler said that some board members would remember Luster saying
something about us "opening up a can of worms."
Board members chuckled at the recollection.
He continued: "We are a team and we each bring our special skills
to the board. I thought with Gloria, this is a lady who has brought
collaboration to an art form. There's nobody here that could vote
opposite you with more pleasantness, and then wanting to hear why
you are voting the way you are."
Hepler concluded: "Gloria has set a standard that will be hard
for the rest of us to follow. She's the ultimate team player on this
board. Thank you for your openness."
John Stewart, Logan County Board member 2002-2010
Hepler began by saying: "What I saw before and what I see now --
everybody that runs for higher offices pledges to spend the people's
money like it's their own and vote like they are the only one in the
room because that is what is in their heart and what they believe.
"Describing John, I would say he is the conscience of this board.
John brought authenticity to his presence here in the room that's
hard for the rest of us to follow and will be hard for the person
who has to follow John."
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A Mount Pulaski resident, Stewart said he had learned a lot over
the years and appreciated the support of his family when he was
running to meetings.
"I'm looking forward to some relaxation," he said. "And, knowing
my phone number won't be in the paper now is going to be a plus." He
quickly added: "Nothing against that," which brought chuckles.
Terry Werth, Logan County Board member 1998-2010
Hepler has not only known Werth as a board member, but also as a
friend and neighbor for a number of years.
He began by observing Werth's very quiet and modest way.
Hepler said that Terry has dedicated his whole career to growing
this community. In addition to his service to the board, he's also
done it with several different businesses.
"When many of us have had genuine concerns about issues, Terry is
the one person who we could always count on to find a reason to say
‘yes.' That doesn't take away our concerns, but a board needs
somebody like that. He's probably the member that helped us as much
as anybody to believe in ourselves."
Hepler said that Terry also leaves shoes that will be difficult
to fill and he will be tough to follow.
Werth lightly responded: "I can honestly say that I've lost hair
and I've gained weight. And, the spring in my step climbing the
courthouse steps isn't what it used to be. But, it's been a real
pleasure. Thank you very much."
Vice chairman Pat O'Neill, who was presiding for the evening,
added that it is his eighth year serving on the board, and during
that time he has appreciated working with Mary, Terry, Gloria and
John.
"I've gotten to be a much smarter, wiser and better person
because of being associated with these outstanding people," he said.
"We're going to miss you."
[By
JAN YOUNGQUIST]
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