‘Historical night’ as Buttars, Watkins finish final city council meeting
December 13th, 2015 Posted in OpinionSMITHFIELD — In what Mayor Darrell Simmons referred to as a “historical night,” the City Council said goodbye this week to two members, Dennis Watkins and Brent Buttars, at its last official meeting of the year.
“We have been counseled by two wonderful men,” Simmons said, “And we are very sad to see them go.”
Mayor Darrell Simmons thanks Brent Buttars for his 12 years of service on the City Council. (Rebecca Wheatley photo)
Veteran Council members Watkins and Buttars both decided not to run for reelection in the 2015 election.
Curtis Wall and Deon Hunsaker were elected to their seats and will become the two new City Council members at the first of the year.
Watkins, who had spent eight years on the Council, said that he has always been very proud to serve and live in Smithfield.
“There are great employees in the city offices,” Watkins said. “And what an honor it has been to work with such a wonderful mayor.”
Watkins named his work on the new city office building and the additions to the library as some of his proudest achievements during his time in office.
“I’ve learned that it doesn’t move very quickly in government,” Watkins said. “But if you push through, it’s always worth it.”
Brent Buttars, who served 12 years, said he has loved living in Smithfield all of his life and has been excited about its growth.
“When I was first in office, I would know everyone when I went to the grocery store,” Buttars said. “Now, I hardly recognize anyone. But the growth here has been tremendous.”
Buttars said he is very proud of what the Council was able to accomplish during his three terms, but he is especially proud of the new additions to the library, which were completed last year.
“We tried to make everyone happy with the renovations,” Buttars said. “So to save the old building, we just added to it. And we were able to keep it separate with a hallway, which pleased a lot of people.”
Councilmember Barbara Kent said she has been very honored to work with Buttars and Watkins on the council and is sad to see them leave.
“I tried to convince them to stay,” Kent said. “But they’ve done their jobs and that’s maybe a good time to leave.”
Simmons quoted Winston Churchill, saying that while in office, you can either be a caretaker or you can make a difference.
“These two haven’t just been caretakers,” Simmons said. “They have made a difference.”
TP
Tags: Brent Buttars, Darrell Simmons, Dennis Watkins, Smithfield City Council
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