Leadership and Vision: Last of the "NOTABLES"
On Tuesday the 20th of December 2011, Councilman extraordinaire, John Lee retired from Wixom’s City Council after 30 years of community service. John Lee is the last of the “NOTABLES” whom he followed in the same selfless vain of public servants as Gunnar Mettala, Dancy Dingeldey, and John Momberg. These few individuals served as distinguished members of council contributing significantly to the development of the community.
John was first elected to Council in November 1981 when he joined a vibrant council consisting of Wayne Glessner, William Wyllie, Nancy Dingeldey, Dennis Andrews, and Gunnar Mettala under the tutelage offering change initiated by Mayor Lillian Spencer.
The years gave new life to the then growing city and many of the present attributes of the community were planned and initiated during these years. Present and past councils have revised and expanded on those plans and the community has moved forward.
Councilman Lee served on many of the Boards and Commissions and many of the study committees that revitalized planning for the community; his optimistic and in-depth views of both what could be and what was affected the dynamics of the community over these many years. John was a “THINKER”…but he too could be a “Stinker” when he thought the situation warranted a reality check!
John Lee is to be commended for his years of service. He used his knowledge and education for the betterment of the City; his in depth knowledge of Water and Wast-water treatment, wetlands and watercourses carried Wixom into the state-of-the-art treatment facilities needed in these early development years.
John will be missed. The City Council and Staff gave John a very nice departure ceremony and a City of Wixom Flag. Council members paid John many fine comments for his service; and John, made an emotional short speech thanking his constituents for their comments. He too thanked and noted specifically his mentors, Henry Mack and Lillian Spencer for helping him in developing and fostering his passions for the community.
Congratulations to John Lee, last of the “NOTABLES!” As a visionary, he added depth to the conversation by promoting Education and Technical program facilitation with development through local business and University partnerships.
There are many other staff and volunteers who are “Notables:” I will add them in a future post as I revisits and write of the history of volunteers and other notables.
In these early years, when any candidate wanted to get elected to Wixom’s Council, the candidate had to appear before and get approval from two very powerful organizations: The Historical Society and The Senior Citizens Commission. Without their endorsement, the candidate could do nothing but loose. All candidates appeared at least once in each of their regular meetings holding their ”Hat in their hand” asking for their sincere consideration and pledging to support both organizations and the community if elected.
My how politics have changed! We cannot now get candidates to run for these difficult but necessary political positions. More reason to observe and comment on the value of citizen John Lee.
Thanks again for your kind words Wayne.