Reno County Commissioners to Deming: Learning from his example

Reno County Commissioner Dan Deming wraps up his eighth and final year on the board when Ron Sellers is sworn in Jan. 14.

The farewells began Monday because Commissioner Bob Bush will not be present for Deming’s last commission meeting on Jan. 8.

Commission Chairman Ron Hirst presented Deming with a certificate etched in glass. “I’ll keep that at home with a lot of pride,” Deming said. During the last two years, Deming, 76, served with first-term commissioners Hirst and Bush. They told Deming they learned from his example.

“I wish I emulated you more,” Bush said, as a “budget hawk.” “You and I probably argue more than anybody on process,” Bush said, but they remained friends and Bush said he was very glad he served with Deming.

Hirst said from Deming he learned not to take it for granted what people say, but to delve into things a lot more.

Deming said he’s leaving a commission offering greater transparency, with meetings televised and recorded. He also pointed out that about a dozen ministers take turns leading the opening prayer, and he hoped the commission continues the tradition of the prayer. Among those Deming thanked were County Administrator Gary Meagher and County Counselor Joe O’Sullivan.

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)