Title
To express the gratitude and deep appreciation of the Mayor and the Council of the City of Columbus to Peter Cass for his exceptional service and unselfish commitment to improving the quality of life of Columbus residents on the occasion of his retirement, April 30, 2011.
Body
WHEREAS, Pete Cass was appointed Legislative Aide by M.D. Portman in November 1972, two years after his first brush with Columbus City Government, when he was arrested on the OSU campus for rioting; and
WHEREAS, as a Council staff member for the past thirty-nine and one-half years, Pete has served the City of Columbus with distinction and demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the safety and quality of life of its residents, all the while insisting, "I can't speak for Council, butÂ…"; and
WHEREAS, over the years Pete has effectively set an unparalleled standard of excellence, focusing on city finance, development, and social service policies without ever turning on the computer in his office; and
WHEREAS, Pete picked up the mantle from Hap Cremean and worked tirelessly to ensure the City's annexation policy remain tied to water and sewer contracts, sharing his knowledge and infinite wisdom with many who now know more about the city's annexation policy than ever thought possible; and
WHEREAS, Pete never met anyone he couldn't talk to and could always be counted upon to know the obscure when analyzing and re-analyzing hypothetical scenarios involving the City's relationships with the suburbs, the surrounding townships and counties, developers and influential business types looking for "assistance"; and
WHEREAS, a visit from Pete often involved him draping himself across one or two chairs, lighting up a cigarette (when it was legal to do so), propping his feet up on the edge of the desk, taking a long swig of cold coffee and starting in with "let me ask you a serious question..." and, then, continuing a long while with a fact pattern filled with "suppose this suppose that...and what if, etc., etc. happens..." and ending with the actual question; and
WHEREAS, Pete will be missed by friends and colleagues as he sets out on the next chapter in his life, where he likely will travel Civil War Battlefields, putter in his yard, ruminate politics and drive his wife, Marlys, crazy; and
WHEREAS, it is more than fitting to recognize Pete's many contributions to the quality of life in Columbus, his service to Council, his mentorship of new staff, and to acknowledge the affection of his many friends and colleagues as his legacy of service and dedication will live on as a worthy example for others to follow; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That the Mayor and the Council of the City of Columbus does hereby express their gratitude and deep appreciation to Peter Cass for his exceptional service and unselfish commitment to improving the quality of life for Columbus residents on the occasion of his retirement, April 30, 2011.