Friday was the last Board of Public Works and Safety meeting for Joe Thallemer as Warsaw’s mayor, which provided an opportunity for the city attorney and the board members to say some “nice” things about him.
City attorney Scott Reust said, “So, I don’t know at another point if people are going to say nice things about Mayor Thallemer or not, but I wanted to say a couple nice things here today. And I wanted to say them in front of all of you who regularly come before this board asking for approval to spend money.”
He said he’s represented towns and municipalities for some time.
“I think Mayor Thallemer’s really, really unique skill is on display each time he comes before you all. He does an outstanding job of explaining to the general public who may be watching or the press who may be here or everybody who is here, explaining each and every one of these requests, or ask you all to explain each and every one of your requests so that there’s real transparency about what Warsaw city government is doing when it spends money, when it buys stuff, what the long-term goal is,” Reust said. “I think we’re going to miss that with a new mayor. I think that’s a really, really hard skill to master and so Jeff (Grose) is going to have to be real cognitive and try to do his best to do the same things that Mayor Thallemer’s done.”
Reust said it’s been a blessing to the city that no matter what meeting Thallemer is at, Thallemer does “an excellent job informing our community of what’s going on, while you’re here, in front of the board asking for these things and giving you the opportunity to explain why you’re doing so. I think that’s been a real benefit to our community, how good of a job he does with that, and that’s going to be missed so.”
Board member George Clemens agreed, saying he’s been around Thallemer for years and everybody kind of knew Thallemer would be mayor some day. Then Thallemer started talking about maybe replacing former Mayor Ernie Wiggins and everyone agreed Thallemer was the man for the job.
“He hasn’t disappointed. He is well-respected around the state and he’s just been an excellent mayor and leader. We’ve been blessed to have him,” Clemens said.
“I would just say, if you’re not transparent, you’re going to pay for it. I really worked hard to make sure everybody understands what’s going on,” Thallemer said.
Councilwoman and board member Diane Quance added that she got to start her career on the council when Thallemer was president of the city council. She said he helped her learn the ropes and how to be a good councilwoman. Then she got to serve with him when he became mayor for the last 12 years.
“It’s been a privilege to get to know you in that way,” she said.
Thallemer thanked her and said he loved sharing all the love.
“But, you know, this is a great community. We’re moving ahead. I’m not going to be here Jan. 1, someone else will be. You all will be here, this board will all be here and there’s a ton of work to do. I truly believe that the best is yet to come, so thank you all for the nice things,” Thallemer concluded.
Thallemer’s last day as mayor is Dec. 31. Jeff Grose, who has served as the District 1 councilman for decades, takes office on Jan. 1.