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City officials reflect on mayor's service |
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Saturday, 22 December 2007 |
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By ANNIE ZELM
Staff Writer
After 17 years of holding the key to the city, Mayor Don Wittwer also earned and retained the respect and admiration of dozens of employees — many of whom expressed their gratitude as they gave him a fond farewell.
“The mayor and I have had a tremendous rapport,” Safety-Service Director Rex Katterheinrich said as he took the podium Friday during a retirement party held in Wittwer’s honor at the Wapakoneta City Administration Building. “It’s amazing how closely we think in the way we evaluate situations — it makes me feel very good about things.”
Katterheinrich presented Wittwer with a photograph of an Autumn Blaze Maple tree to be planted in his honor, along with a plaque commending him for a total of 37 years of service to the city.
Approximately 75 people gathered Friday in council chambers to offer formal and informal congratulations, share stories and enjoy a cake featuring the city’s seal to commemorate him.
The safety-service director, who worked alongside Wittwer for more than 17 years, described him as a “terrific mentor,” not only for his staff, but for the entire city.
“He is a very thorough thinker,” Katterheinrich told the Wapakoneta Daily News after the ceremony. “Any decision he’s ever made, he’s given his all.”
Among the mayor’s significant achievements in recent years were working with Wapakoneta Area Economic Development Council Executive Director Greg Myers to acquire a $1.9 million state grant through the Job Ready Sites program and negotiating a land transaction to bring Lowe’s to Wapakoneta, Katterheinrich said. He also worked hard to oversee the construction of the Wapakoneta City Administration Building at 701 Parlette Court, which he considers a point of pride for Wapakoneta.
Other city employees and friends of the mayor spoke of his wisdom, guidance and persistence in all he did.
“Your dedication has been unwavering in your goal to achieve the city’s mission — to provide for the general health, safety and welfare of the city and all its residents,” Mayor-elect Rodney Metz said as he addressed Wittwer at the podium. “We wish you a long, happy and fruitful life with your family and good health.”
Former Wapakoneta Mayor Charles Brading, who served from 1988 to 1991 while Wittwer served as city council president, said he was able to put political differences aside and focus on the city’s best interest being his top wpriority.
“When I left, I had no qualms about the city not moving forward because Don was an excellent legislator,” the former 86th District State representative said. “He likes to get things done, and he’s a people person, which is so important when you’re in the business of politics.”
Wapakoneta Police Chief Dave Webb said Wittwer was always available to discuss concerns, offer advice or just listen.
“I could go in and talk with him any time, and he’d get my spirits up if I was down,” Webb said.
“We’ve been through some tough times,” he said, citing personnel issues in the police department and difficult decisions, “but we’ve worked through it, and he helped me greatly.”
Wapakoneta Fire Chief Kendall Krites described him as a positive leader who set high standards for the city and stuck by them.
Second Ward Councilor Dave Campbell, who served with Wittwer for more than 21 years, said what impressed him most about the mayor was his ability to solve problems and delegate effectively.
“He doesn’t demand — he suggests,” Campbell said.
Auglaize County Commissioner John Bergman, who worked with the mayor for 11 years and knew him for at least two decades, said his retirement is well-deserved.
“He’s one of those dynamic individuals — a man who always gives 100 percent all the time,” Bergman said. “He has a real belief in families and communities, in the good of the whole.
Bergman said Wittwer often extended his knowledge and experience beyond the borders of the city, offering his wisdom to community leaders throughout Auglaize County.
“He was one of those people who truly believes together we can accomplish much greater things than we can by ourselves,” Bergman said.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 24 December 2007 )
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