TOM MYERS’ long service on the Emporia City Commission ended last week. He was voted out not because he did anything wrong, but because too many voters had the feeling that the commission wasn’t doing much right.
It was Myers’ bad luck that the end of his latest term on the commission fell at a time in which public unease with the economic state of the city reached a head. Public dissatisfaction brought out more candidates than usual — most of them good candidates — and made it almost certain that at least one incumbent would be elbowed out of the way.
Myers got the short straw.
It would be wrong to let him leave without a couple of hundred words of thanks.
In his 14 years on the commission, Myers was the most approachable member of the board. He was always available to talk and to listen. His open face and friendly smile put people at ease. His willingness to weigh the arguments on any side of an issue — even issues on which he had strong personal opinions — earned him the trust of all who met him.
When he started on the commission, one of his intentions was to encourage civility in public discourse. In those days, angry words and raised voices were not unknown in the commission chambers.
With the help of other commissioners, Myers achieved that goal. These days, commissioners give respectful hearings to each other and to the public. In debate, logic and persuasion have replaced sheer volume.
For 14 years, Myers was an eager learner on every issue. When needed, he was a center of calm reassurance. Often, he was the voice of conscience.
The public could not have had a better or more dedicated servant.
Thank you, Tom.