My term as mayor of Sparta is coming to a close.
It has been an immensely rewarding experience, and I am grateful to the residents of Sparta for placing their trust in me. I am honored to have served.
During a recent meeting with a Sparta Cub Scouts Pack, I was asked what I am most proud of this year as mayor. While we have achieved much, it is not the significant milestones, events or accomplishments that moved me the most. My direct and honest answer is not exciting, for what I am most proud of is the mundane.
Our municipal staff makes me proud. Our employees could work anywhere, but they choose to work here for our community. They take their responsibilities seriously, they work hard and with pride, and they do it well.
They come to work every day, keep our neighborhoods safe and clean, and interact with residents and business owners in a friendly and efficient manner.
I am proud of the citizen volunteers who serve on our many boards and committees. They work countless, unpaid hours in service to our community, crafting policies, solving problems and implementing programs for the benefit of our residents.
While perhaps largely unnoticed by the general public, their quiet efforts are a huge benefit to our town.
I take pride in the work of our council for the many hours we spend making sure our township administration has the resources they need to do their jobs well. Council members also serve on every board and committee. This is our nights and weekends job.
I serve with four dedicated members of our community who care deeply for the well-being of our town. Filling out forms, answering e-mails, attending meetings and writing reports are the ordinary and mundane activities that go largely unnoticed and uncelebrated, yet they form the backbone of what keeps Sparta safe, efficient and vibrant.
To the hundreds of people who participate in that process, I am immensely grateful and proud of all you do.
Dan Chiariello
Sparta