Remaining council members say ‘goodbye’, look toward future
Even though a councilmember’s term ends at the end of the calendar year, Dec. 10 was the last time this particular council addressed Monroe Township as a unit.
Bob Heffner, Bart McIlvaine and Cody Miller, along with mayor Dan Teefy, had their final meeting in their current positions. Council President Rich DiLucia will return next year with a new title — mayor.
It was an emotional evening for the council — Marvin Dilks, the councilman representing Ward 1, said despite finishing his 14th year on council, this night is exceptionally sad.
“Councilpeople come on and go off, but this is a sad night because we’re losing brothers,” Dilks said. “We work so close together, it is emotional. I with you the best — Bart, Bob, Dan and Cody.”
Business Administrator Kevin Heydel spoke on behalf of Teefy, who wasn’t at the meeting.
“Dan moved into public office as a councilman in 2001 and served in that position for over 11 and a half years before being elected mayor in 2014,” Heydel said. “Dan has always shown his love for the children and residents of this town. He’s worked hard both as a councilman and mayor keeping residents’ best interest in mind.”
Heydel added Teefy has performed more than 175 weddings over the past four years and donated portions of the proceeds toward Project Graduation at the high school.
DiLucia also spoke about Teefy: “I wish Dan all the luck in the world. Anything I can do for him, I will. I hope we can remain friends.”
Heffner, who was also not at the meeting, was spoken for by DiLucia as well.
“I wish Bob all the luck in the world, and I hope whatever he does, he enjoys himself,” DiLucia said. “If he wants to run again, we’ll probably be on opposite sides, but that’s OK. That’s what makes the world go around.”
In his last committee report, McIlvaine reflected on the last four years and thanked the township for the opportunity.
“I found myself these past four years not to be a politician,” McIlvaine said. “I served the town as a police officer and a volunteer firefighter. It was a unique experience, one that I truly wasn’t prepared for, but with the help of some great people, an awesome wife — I couldn’t ask for any better. She took everything in stride and kept me in check.”
McIlvaine added, “Everybody here on council, I can’t ask for better treatment. When I wanted to be vice president, you supported me. When I wanted to be president, you supported me, and I will never forget that. I will be here for each and every one of you should you ever need anything at all.”
In his final report, Miller looked toward the future in addition to showing gratitude for the opportunity to represent his community.
“Congratulations to all of the new people that will be assuming office,” he said. “I wrote some things down to the incoming mayor and the incoming council people — stay true to yourselves, stand on principle, do what you feel is right in your heart. I’ve done that for the last four years and it hasn’t steered me wrong.”
Because DiLucia’s term technically isn’t expired, there will be an opening for council representing Ward 2. The Democratic party will select three candidates for the open position at a committee meeting. Council will vote on one candidate, and there will be a special election. The position will be filled by 2019.
In other news:
- Resident Jim Deckard addressed council in regard to the quality of the police department in town.
“I’ve lived here for 30 years, and for the first 10 or 15 years after that, I applauded, I couldn’t say a bad word about the Monroe [police department] they were so proactive. Over the last five years or so, the police have become reactive. I’ve never seen laws not being enforced as far as traffic in this township is concerned. People feel they have a 95 percent chance someone won’t stop them. We have a real serious problem and someone needs to address it.”
Council took down his information and will relay the message to Chief of Police John McKeown to address the issue.
