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Although it was around 11 p.m. at the close of a marathon five-hour meeting Tuesday, Luzerne County Council members took the time to offer parting words to four colleagues, including Stephen A. Urban.
A retired Army lieutenant colonel, Urban wrapped up two decades as an elected county official, first serving as a commissioner from 2000 through 2011 and then as a councilman since the county’s January 2012 switch to a customized home rule government structure.
Urban, who decided not to seek reelection in November, said he did not expect parting wishes because he thought there would be one more meeting this year.
Council Chairman Tim McGinley said a Dec. 17 meeting tentatively scheduled won’t be held because there are no pending decisions before the sitting council.
Poking fun at Urban’s occasional arrivals as meetings are starting, McGinley said he will hold another one if Urban promises to come on time.
Councilman Chris Perry told Urban he wishes he had more of his vast institutional understanding of county government.
“We don’t always agree, but your knowledge is just impressive,” Perry said.
Although they’ve clashed at times, Councilman Robert Schnee said he considers Urban a friend and also respects his knowledge and military background.
A southern county resident, Schnee said Urban has amassed a fan base in the Hazleton area.
“Everybody I talk to down there loves him,” Schnee said. “That’s a compliment when people speak highly of you.”
Also exiting are Jane Walsh Waitkus, Patrick Bilbow and Rick Morelli.
Walsh Waitkus has served a four-year term and was not reelected in November. A council majority selected Bilbow and Morelli to fill vacancies this year.
Expressing an interest in sharing a “secret” with the audience, Walsh Waitkus said she had circulated her petition to run four years ago when her adult daughter’s cancer was in remission after a successful stem cell transplant.
“Unfortunately that summer before the election, she relapsed and died. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh. How can I go forward?’” Walsh Waitkus said, noting she also has been caring for two grandchildren as a result.
She said she is thankful she embraced the challenge, describing her term as a “whirlwind” and “wonderful experience.”
Schnee said Walsh Waitkus is “one of the finest people” he’s known.
Bilbow, who did not win a seat in November, said serving has been an “honor” and “everything I thought it would be and more.”
“It’s unfortunate. I felt like I was really just finding my way, and now I’m being shown the door,” he said, laughing.
A home rule charter drafter and prior councilman, Morelli praised his colleagues for their professionalism and asserted the county is on a path of “getting out of where we were” and becoming a model.
“I’m leaving here knowing that home rule is working and is the right choice,” Morelli said.
McGinley, who was reelected to another term along with Schnee, said he doesn’t believe many “realize the time and effort” council members invest in reviewing and analyzing information to “come up with the best solutions” and alternatives.
“We look forward to moving forward. Hopefully we have a very strong working council in the future,” he said.
LeeAnn McDermott, Walter Griffith, Stephen J. Urban (Councilman Urban’s son) and Kendra Radle will take office Jan. 6.
Citizen Mark Rabo also thanked the outgoing members for their service.
“It’s not easy being in that seat,” Rabo said.