Dennis Hancock's Farewell Address to the City of Fenton

On Thursday, departing Fenton Mayor Dennis Hancock presided over his final meeting of the city's Board of Aldermen, a responsibility he's had for the past 12 years. He gave up his post voluntarily, announcing his decision last fall that he would not seek re-election. Mike Polizzi won the mayor's seat in the Apr. 2 election. What follows is a transcript of Hancock's parting words to the city he served:

Tonight is a very rare event in our city. For the first time in over 40 years, a sitting mayor has willingly given up his office. The only other mayor to do so was Garrett Hitzert. Jim Garrett left after one term because he was transferred by his employer. That puts me in unique company. It also means that I've had over a year to prepare for my speech for tonight - so it better be good.

I want to start by congratulating Mike Polizzi. I've known Mike for a long time and I've worked closely with him on several different projects. If I had to describe him in one word, Mike Polizzi is a leader. If I asked everyone here tonight to define what a leader is, I would probably get as many different answers as there are people here tonight. One thing we can agree on, however, is that we all recognize leadership when we see it. Here are some characteristics all leaders possess.

Leaders look forward. When George Washington was crossing the Delaware he was in the front of the boat, not in the back looking where he'd come from.

Leaders have vision, goals, milestones and they define what success means.

Leaders set an example for transparency and openness. They accept different perspectives, encourage input and they own their own decisions.

Leaders look for ways to say yes. Anyone can say no. The first word most children learn is no.

Mike Polizzi is a leader. I feel confident that I am leaving the city in very capable hands.

I've spent the last several months in the (city) newsletter talking about what we've been able to accomplish over the last 12 years. I'm not going to rehash those tonight. Nor am I going to go on about my legacy. My effectiveness as mayor will be determined by future historians.

Tonight is reserved for a few special people who've helped me along this path.

I've already mentioned Mike Polizzi. Mike was there from the beginning of my political career. In fact, the first call I made after signing up to run the first time was from Mike Polizzi. And over the years his support and friendship haven't wavered. It's not easy to make long-lasting friendships in politics. I'm glad this one has endured.

The day after I was elected in 2001 I received a call from (city attorney) Jerry Wallach. He suggested we meet and discuss some things that I probably wasn't aware of. At that meeting, I heard for the first time of the Summit Road extension. It was also at that meeting that I recognized a man of great integrity and someone I trust without reservation. You and Stan have shown time and time again that you richly deserve the reputations you've earned in the legal community. While the advice you've given at times has met with resistance, that was because you haven't been afraid to tell us what we needed to hear instead of what we wanted to hear. Your loyalty has always been to the City of Fenton. And the City of Fenton is much better today because of the representation we've received from the Wallach law firm. And now my friend I look forward to continuing to share great meals and our discussions of the silly things that our respective political parties do.

In 2002, I made what I believe was the single best decision in my entire 12 years as mayor when I recommended to the board that we appoint Mark Sartors as city administrator. I remember when I first approached Mark about this. He had been the director of public works for a long time and was very comfortable in that role. I also knew Mark was talented beyond his resume. You see, in my previous career I had met dozens of city administrators. Most of them were well-educated, well-dressed and well-spoken. They were also much more concerned about where their next job was going to be than the job they were currently doing.

I can remember talking to Mark in his office on Rudder Road. When he pointed out how most city administrators looked and acted, I told him those folks were a dime a dozen. I was looking for a city administrator who could actually do something. A city administrator who knew which end of a shovel went into the ground. A city administrator who was much more interested in results than in looking good for the cameras. I told him that was my job.

Mark, you haven't disappointed me. You've done the job you were hired to do. You've brought your own style to Fenton, along with a keen eye for detail. we used to joke that you were "anti-city administrator." In reality you were the best city administrator I've ever run across. The City of Fenton is very fortunate to have you.

I guess now I have to find someone else to talk to at 6:30 every morning.

Diane Monteleone, you have been a breath of fresh air for this city. You've brought a unique combination of consummate-professional-meets Lucille-Ball to Fenton. When times were good, you always had the right thing to say. And when times were not so good, you still knew exactly what to say. I will miss your laugh and I will miss you.

To my colleagues on the board, it has been my honor to serve with all of you over the years. Some, like Charlie Preslar and Tim Trego are no longer with us. While we didn't always agree - sometimes rather forcefully - when we needed to we always came together as one. Thank you for allowing me to serve with you.

To my family - Chris, the girls, Myles and Aurora - I can only say thank you. Thank you or allowing me to do something that I thoroughly enjoyed for the last 12 years. Thank you also for allowing me to share our stories, the good times and bad, with the community that is our home.

Finally, to the people of Fenton. Twelve years ago you took a chance on a guy who grew up on a farm in St. Charles County, who hadn't lived in Fenton very long and who had never held elective office. I made a few simple promises then - not to raise your taxes, to fight for you and to communicate openly and honestly with you. Over the last 12 years, your taxes have not gone up one penny, the fights have been well-documented and the door to my office has been off its hinges, leaning against the wall as a symbol of my commitment to open and transparent government.

From the bottom of my heart, I pray that God blesses each and every one of you and that He continues to bless the City of Fenton.

Thank you very much.