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I have a tendency to pick up on things others might miss.

At the latest council meeting, Mayor Gerald Gross, who has been serving West Easton for 50 years, beginning as a councilman and then our Mayor, was answering a question about expenditures and the sewer system when he said, “I’m done. Fifty years is enough. It might be sooner than you think.” He then continued in answering the residents question. (Found at the 25:34 time, on the video of the meeting.)

This isn’t the first time I’ve heard him mention that he might not run again, but it’s the first time he seemed to mean it, and inferred the possibility that he might not even complete his recently re-elected term through 2017.

Mayor Gross, if my math is correct using newspaper reports, is 75 years old. He’s seen changes to West Easton that I only hear about from older and life-long residents. He knows the borough and his experience, along with his cordiality and concern for West Easton residents, makes him a man respected and well-liked in our community. If he chose to, he could only be removed feet first from his position of Mayor.

Nobody runs against him and why would they?

And that may not necessarily be a bad thing for West Easton.

He has done and continues to do a good job as our Mayor, even with the limited powers the Mayor of West Easton possesses and some past mistakes. Our type of local government provides the main power of decision making to the Council. He is only involved in council votes in the event of a tie.

He appears to have been distanced from the council by the council themselves. He is no longer asked to be involved in committee meetings, being told they are a “strong council.”

Personally, I was counting on some input from Mayor Gross and would seek his knowledge, should I serve on a committee after the elections.

If he truly is considering stepping down, I could also understand it. I couldn’t imagine 50 years in politics – even small town politics. Especially considering the abuse he and others serving West Easton have had to tolerate the past few years. He is probably tired from it.

While I would like to see younger people involved in decision making for West Easton’s future (rather than old farts like me), there is a benefit in having someone available in the decision process, who can provide advice and input, drawing on past experience and knowledge of the community.

It’s my sincere hope he remains awhile longer. I may not agree with his opinion on everything (ie, “super voter” appointee, carry-over money), but I have never agreed with anyone on everything.