Published: January 02, 2008 04:23 pm            

TRIBUNE-STAR EDITORAL: Thanks for a job well done

Former mayor deserves credit for strong term

Kevin Burke’s tenure as mayor of Terre Haute came to an end Tuesday. It was a relatively quiet passing, given the high drama that has accompanied most of his administration.

But with the four-year term now officially over and a new administration beginning its work, the time has come to pay tribute to Burke for his outstanding service on behalf of the people of this city. He delivered in significant ways on several fronts. Campaign rhetoric of the past election notwithstanding, it would be unfair not to acknowledge — and praise — his efforts and results.

Burke will long be remembered for serving as mayor at a time when the city’s public and private infrastructre experienced visible progress. Streets were upgraded. Strategies were implemented to finally deal with an inadequate sewage treatment plant. The abandoned building at Seventh and Wabash was torn down and replaced by a new, thriving hotel. Other downtown development occurred through an infusion of private and public funds.

What’s more, we believe that time and objective analysis will show Burke did all this while leaving the city in excellent financial health.

Of course, some of Burke’s projects did not meet with total community support. He stepped on toes and seemed oblivious to the consequences. He was unable to unite opposing forces or build lasting community consensus. He failed at the “art” of politics.

But when assessing his overall impact, it is instructive to note that a big issue facing the new administration is not how to get the community moving, but whether it should slow things down.

History will be very good to Burke, despite his ill-advised efforts to disrupt the transition to Mayor Duke Bennett’s administration by challenging his candidacy on the Hatch Act issue. Burke assembled a top-notch team of department heads who developed a progressive plan and executed it.

We congratulate Burke and his administration on a job well done. Future mayors and local officials undoubtedly will seek his counsel on a number of issues and we trust he will be able to provide wise guidance and insight to those who have the good sense to seek it.

        

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