Resolution No. 1
Retirement ceremonies for public employees often follow a common script. First of all they are typically funded through a “collection” from co-workers, considerate of possible citizen perception of fiscal misuse. As a result the usual condiments include some de minimis financial gifts and gift cards, fruit and relish trays, punch, and a sheet cake. Some colleagues offer testimonials. The recipient will then utter a few words of appreciation, maybe fight through a little bit of emotion, and since the events tend to be at the end of the day on a Friday, we all go home. I would characterize the events as nice, certainly nothing elegant. Some time ago Dalton retired from municipal service after a number of years. He had spent a career working outdoors, often in harsh conditions as a journeyman something or other. His occupational badge was identified by a bronzed and wrinkled complexion and callused hands. When the moment came for Dalton to share some remarks he detou