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By VICKI URBANIK In a night of farewells, long-time Porter County Council attorney David Hollenbeck announced Monday that he will not seek the attorney’s post when the new council takes office in January. The Democrat sweep in the November elections will mean that Democrats will now gain an unprecedented 6-1 majority on the council. Last month, Dan Whitten, D-at large, fueled speculation that the council might seek a different attorney when he called on the council to find out who else might be interested in the legal post. Hollenbeck has served as the council’s attorney for 33 of the past 35 years, replaced only in the early 1990s when a Democrat-majority selected Ted Fitzgerald as its attorney. Hollenbeck said at Monday’s year-end council meeting that during his 35 years, he has worked with more than 50 different county council members and has seen many changes in county government. “Change is inevitable and needed,” he said. But in an emotional address, he said it’s important to recognize when one is part of the demand for change and when it’s time to step aside. “That time has come,” he said. Hollenbeck said, however, that he isn’t going anywhere and that he will be ready to assist the new council attorney in any way possible, whether to supply institutional memory of county business or to serve as a mentor. He also represents a number of other public boards, including the county park, tourism and health boards. But of his work for the county council, he said: “It’s time for me to move on.” Hollenbeck was warmly praised for his years of service. Council member Jim Burge, R-at large, commended Hollenbeck for helping the council through the complex sale of Porter Memorial Hospital last year, as well as for guiding the council through the “general chaos” that has gripped the county’s tax process. Council member Karen Conover, R-3rd, who will become the only Republican on the council, noted that Hollenbeck guided the council through the ever-intense Bethlehem Steel bankruptcy, which resulted in severe budget cuts at the county and local levels. Council member Rita Stevenson, D-2nd, praised Hollenbeck for always making himself accessible and available to answer questions for council members. The council is expected to name a new attorney at its reorganization meeting on January 5. In addition to Whitten, the Democrats who won election Nov. 4 to the at-large seats are Laura Shurr Blaney and Sylvia Graham. Carmichael, Burge Farewell Monday’s council meeting opened with Council President Robert Poparad, D-1st, calling for a moment of silence in honor of council member William Carmichael, R-at large, who died Saturday after a lengthy illness. Poparad also presented Carmichael’s son, Hal, with a trophy-like momento honoring him for his years of service. Stevenson and Conover both made statements in honor of Carmichael. Stevenson recalled how she first won re-election and how a reporter asked Carmichael to comment on Stevenson’s victory. Carmichael responded by saying that Stevenson had a lot to learn about county government, but that he “was willing to teach her.” “He loved helping people,” Stevenson said, as she warmly recalled her many conversations with Carmichael. “Bill Carmichael was always a gentleman. He will be greatly missed,” she said. Similarly, Conover said Carmichael’s influence can be seen throughout county government. Though they were of the same political party, Conover said she often didn’t agree with Carmichael but that she nonetheless admired him. “I will miss him terribly,” she said. Also honored Monday was Burge, who lost his re-election bid in November. Poparad presented Burge with a momento, and Whitten said he always enjoyed working with Burge even though they often disagreed. “It has been an honor to serve,” Burge said.
Posted 12/9/2008 |
