The Summit County Commission met Dec. 17 for the last time, ever.
Next year when the form of government in Summit County changes the five-person Summit County Council will replace the three-member County Commission. Commissioners Bob Richer and Ken Woolstenhulme, often opposite each other with their stands on the issues, will retire in January when new councilpersons are sworn in.
“This is a highly charged position and there are times when we certainly didn’t agree,” said Richer, speaking about Woolstenhulme at the final commission meeting.
Democrats Richer and Woolstenhulme served together on the board since each was elected in 2002.
“We have disagreed on many, many issues, but if I needed to be in a foxhole with somebody, and I needed somebody to watch my back, Ken would be at the top of my list,” Richer said. “Ken is the real deal. He embodies all the qualities of the American West.”
Still, Richer acknowledged the times he wanted to “ring [Woolstenhulme’s] neck.”
“And he wanted to ring my neck,” Richer joked. “Happy trails to you, Ken.”
Woolstenhulme returned the favor praising Richer as “very knowledgeable and a good guy.”
“For Bob and me this is our last hurrah,” Woolstenhulme said. “We have had our differences But we are all working for the same cause and hopefully we’ll be able to accomplish what we need to accomplish.”
Each man also praised their present and past County Commission colleagues Sally Elliott and Shauna Kerr.