Although I highly suspected it was coming, I was still saddened to read the news that Town Councilman Henry Leger would not be pursuing another term beyond this year.

As long-time editor of The Times, I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Leger on the Town Council over the years – both during good times and not-so-great times.

I always found him insightful, analytical and an outstanding statesman for our Town of Fountain Hills.

He was realistic and goal-oriented all at the same time.

Henry was one of the first people I turned to when my wife and I first started talking about the possibility of me running for a seat on the Town Council.

I found his advice to be encouraging and enlightening.

I believe Henry stayed on the council for 12 years for all the right reasons – to make a positive contribution to our awesome town. It wasn’t for power, ego or political gain.

He told the newspaper last week that he believes much has been accomplished and that collectively Fountain Hills is a better community because of what’s been done the past dozen years – crediting others for that…

I would concur with his statement, with the caveat that much of that is because of what Henry Leger has done for Fountain Hills all those years.

I plan to turn in my nominating petitions next week to qualify to be on the August ballot.

If I’m fortunate enough to be elected to the council by voters, I hope I can at least partially fill the big shoes left behind by Henry Leger.

So Henry, thanks for all you have done and will continue to do for Fountain Hills. I, for one, appreciate your commitment to public service and helping make our town a better place to live.