The Knox City Council members honored outgoing Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston and City Council member Bertha Blue Thursday night. They opted not to seek re-election in this year’s Municipal Election.
Knox Mayor Dennis Estok offered a few words about Houston during the City Council meeting.
“Jeff and I have been friends for a long time…he’s a heck of a guy,’ said Estok. “He’s a heck of a Clerk-Treasurer to work with.
“Did we always get along? No. We’ve had our share of disagreements. We’ve argued. I’ve threatened to put duct tape down the hallway where he could stay on his side and I could stay on mine! Every time I’d get ready to do that, I knew I shouldn’t because he’d say, ‘it’s not straight you gotta move it!’
“We’re all going to miss him. I know I’m going to miss him.”
Houston responded, saying, “I’ve worked really well with Dennis and the council. Yeah, I’ve had my disagreements. I can be difficult sometimes and very territorial as I was pointed out to me two weeks ago!
“I appreciate all of the nice words and I’m looking forward to retirement. This is my second retirement!”
Mayor Estok presented Houston with a plaque to commemorate his time with the city.
A retirement party for Jeff Houston is scheduled Monday, Dec. 30 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. CT at the Knox City Hall and the public is invited to attend.
Mayor Estok also thanked Bertha Blue for years of service to the City of Knox.
“I can’t say enough about you, Bertha,” began Estok. “You’ve been not only a great city employee for many years and a member of a plan commission for a number of years, and when Ed [Blue, her husband and former city councilman] passed away you stepped up to the plate and ran for city council. You did a great job as a council member and we’re going to miss you also. I consider you a friend, too.”
Mayor Estok presented Bertha Blue with a plaque.
“It’s been a privilege, Mayor, to work with you, Jeff and the council,” stated Blue. “I’m proud of the things we’ve accomplished, especially the splash pad. That was wonderful. I want to thank the men and women that work for the city. …They’ve done a great job.
“I want to thank the citizens of Knox who put their trust in my four-and-a-half years ago by casting their vote to elect me to this office.
“I love our city and I’ll continue to be involved as much as I can. I want to thank all of you and God bless all of you.”
Councilman Jeff V. Berg also presented Houston with a picture of when he was first sworn into office following a caucus on April 10, 2007.
“On April 10, 2007, Jeff Houston was selected as Knox Clerk-Treasurer during a precinct caucus,” said Berg.
“Following this caucus victory, Jeff, looking ahead, offered these thought-filled words of expression and election. ‘I’d like to say I appreciate the support from my fellow committeemen. I feel honored by being chosen, and I will do my very best to fill this job. I work for the citizens and taxpayers, don’t waste money, and treat the taxpayer like I would hope to be treated.’
“Jeff, you have provided steadfast fiscal leadership at your post for 12 years, 8 months, and 16 days now,” continued Berg. “It has been my pleasure and honor to serve with you and learn from your direction.
“As your retirement dreams loom near, may God continue to enrich your life with more peace, hope and happiness than ever before. I therefore commemorate this photo memory gift unto you being sworn into office by Mayor Dennis Estok on April 10, 2007.
“Jeff, God bless you and God Speed!” Council members Don Kring and Ron Parker also wished Houston and Blue well as they leave government office.
