Q: How long have you been in public service?
A: “I’ve been on Waymart Borough council for 37 years and I’ve been an EMT for 37 years. I’m the last founding member of Waymart Ambulance Corp.
“I was involved with the Western Wayne school district for 35 years, too. I taught for 4 years, then I became the district elementary school librarian. I did this while I was an EMT as well. I taught some of the teachers and students CPR and First-Aid.
“Also, I was assistant police chief over in Fell, and when they disbanded the police department, I thought I wasn’t going to do that anymore. Then a few years ago, (former) Mayor Morgan asked if I was still certified and asked if I’d join the Hawley police department as a part-time officer.”
Q: What is the most difficult challenge of working as a public servant?
A: “To listen to everyone with compassion and with interest, and that is extremely difficult. At times, some people will suggest something that is so far out, but I try to treat everyone with respect and listen to their point of view. Some people push your buttons all the time, but I do respect everyone’s ideas and opinions; I might not agree with it, but I respect it.”
Q: What’s the most rewarding thing about being a public servant?
A: “I love people, and I really have a network of hundreds of friends who I got through my public service, not just the borough council or ambulance Corp, but also the historical societies. I have met literally hundreds of people who, like me, are dedicated to serving people, saving our history and really embracing life in the fact that we are constantly reaching out to other people.”
Q: What would you say is your greatest achievements?
A: “Historical-wise, my greatest achievement is being part of the small group of bicentennial people who had the vision to save the Delaware-Hudson Depot. To see that depot museum and see how beautiful it is and how it really speaks to the history of this area...the different ethnic groups, who gave their lives in many ways to settle this area.
“Another achievement is that the borough council has moved forward and done many things to really try to move this little community forward. It’s difficult to play against the big boys, as they say, to get any grants. Over the years I’ve probably gotten around $250,000 in many grants where I can bring our own tax dollars back here. With everything I’ve been in, I’m not just one person alone -- it’s a group of people. I like to say I’m trying to be the spark-plug for a lot of groups.”
Each Tuesday, the Wayne Independent plans to highlight a pubic official. Readers are welcome to send suggestions of local public officials YOU would like us to interview, and ask questions YOU would like to ask. Send you suggestions to Kevin Zwick at kzwick@wayneindependent.com or call him at (570) 253-3055.
