OPINION: Thank you, Mr. Mayor

Even in the little bit of time off that his double work-life afforded, he’s been a steady participant in the life of the town, doing volunteer work for the Boy Scouts, attending special library programs and fund-raisers, staying involved with the fire department, and too much more to list here. I’ve never figured out how he’s managed to do so MUCH, but I think motivation was the key. He’s always wanted Commerce to be the best it can be, and he has worked toward that, through all the challenges that arose, including his own health problems.

So, for example, the streetscape that transformed Commerce’s downtown and put it on the map as a historic district took place during his tenure. New schools, a new park, a civic center, a cultural center – these all came into being, along with much more, in the progressive atmosphere he fostered as mayor.

I knew of Buzzie long before I knew him, because his aunt and my grandmother were friends, and he was one of the “bright and promising young people” whose careers she followed with interest. Later, when he was publisher of this newspaper, she worked for him as a columnist and writer, and developed a great respect for him – and an amused appreciation for his sense of humor.

It is that sense of humor that comes to mind when I think of my own experience of working for him as library director. Our library is fair-sized, and about to be larger, and at least 65,000 people of all ages pass through it every year — probably more, by now. As we used to joke, that’s a lot of toilet paper! I sat across from Buzzie in his office more than a few times, seeking his guidance or sharing my concerns, and what I remember best is the way he folded his arms on the desk and gave me that unique smile of his. If there was a funny side to something — and there almost always was — he saw it, and shared it.

I’m hoping he can relax a little now, and narrow his work-life down to one job, knowing how much he accomplished and seeing the results everywhere. But I want to add my voice to what I gather was a chorus at the reception in his honor last week, and say wholeheartedly, Thank you, Buzzie. Thank you, Mr. Mayor!

Susan Harper is retired, lives in Commerce and volunteers with thge Commerce Public Library and the Jackson County Literacy Program.