In 1972, Mayor Red Johnson appointed me as Sycamore Public Library treasurer and to the Police Pension Board of Trustees. Those jobs led to city treasurer and on to mayor of Sycamore, encompassing eight elections in which voters allowed me to serve the city.

First things first: Credit goes to city managers Bill Nicklas and Brian Gregory, department heads and all employees for bringing city services and projects to life. Bill Nicklas retired last year after 13 years of excellent service to Sycamore. Brian Gregory provides professional city management with more than 10 years of serving Sycamore.

The police department is housed in the newly enlarged police station. Sycamore Fire House No. 2 serves Sycamore well with improved response times and comprehensive backup for Fire House No. 1. Former Fire Chief Mark Kessler retired, and Pete Polarek is the newly appointed chief.