Mayor Gerald Gross received honors and recognition from many corners at last night’s council meeting, for 50 years serving West Easton in an elected capacity.
As usual, no local paper saw the need to attend our council meeting and missed covering the milestone, but others saw the achievement worthy of being present.
Ms. April Niver, a representative from Congressman Matt Cartwright’s office (D – 17th Dist.), gave a reading of Cartwright’s statement for the Congressional Record, which will be read on the Floor today, December 15th. It recognizes his 20 years of service as a Councilman and his 30 years as Mayor. It noted his dedication to the community, his leadership in large projects, such as the public sewer line installation and the municipal building. Other accomplishments were noted, including economic development like the DUI Center that generates up to $50,000 in impact fees for the borough. Generous applause was given for the Mayor at the conclusion of her reading.
Council President Kelly Gross followed Ms. Niver’s reading with her own prepared statement, which also highlighted the Mayor’s achievements, including his love of coaching youth in the sports of baseball, football, and basketball in past years. She noted that Mayor Gross started the first girls basketball team when she was in 8th grade, in which she participated.
The only disappointing part of her statement was the need to include her own parting shots in her last meeting as a council member, mentioning, “naysayers in our midst, intent on causing problems” and “petty politics and personal vendettas that seem to motivate others.” She noted he is, “a true gentleman and true gentlemen are in short supply these days.” The lack of applause when she finished reading was not a reflection on the Mayor.
Kelly Gross then presented her father with a number of congratulatory items from Senator Toomey, Governor Wolf, and others of notable political influence, including President Obama, which did generate applause.
In accepting his accolades, Mayor Gross spoke of the past, present, and future of his tenure. He gave credit to good councils that followed through on those items he pushed for and were completed.
When I’m done rendering the video of the meeting I will post it separately and you can see all of the presentation.
West Easton Council also recognized his dedication to the community by passing a resolution to name the community park located on Keystone Ave, Gerald W. Gross Park.
A sign with the inscription, “Gerald W. Gross Park” will be erected and unveiled at a dedication ceremony next year. The date and time of the ceremony in 2016 is to be announced at a future council meeting.
It is fitting that a man who gave 50 years of his time and energy to a community, be awarded a place bearing his name, within that community.
Congratulations, Mr. Mayor.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
