Snowflake Mayor Tom Poscharsky conducted his last town council meeting Nov. 15.
Resolution No. 2016-16 adopting results of the general election held Nov. 8 was approved. The only position on the ballot was a two-year term for mayor.
Michael “Lynn” Johnson received 1,250 of the 2,489 ballots cast, and Hunter Lewis received 978. Johnson declared the winner.
After conducting the business of the evening, approving the resolution and swearing in the newly elected candidates, Poscharsky handed the gavel to Mayor Johnson.
Poscharsky has spent many, many hours working for and promoting the town, but not many people know just how much he has done because he didn’t want acknowledgement. That aim was derailed by the council and town staff, though, as special recognition was then given to Poscharsky for all he has done for the town.
“I appreciate working with Tom,” said Town Manager Brian Richards. “He works tirelessly for the town.
“I learned a lot from Tom and appreciate the time I had working with him. I appreciate all the things that Tom taught me.”
Richards noted that Poscharsky had worked in Austin, Texas, where he had to break in 7½ managers, adding, that he didn’t know where the half came from.
He advised those attending that Poscharsky was receiving a chair engraved with a phrase he was known for, “Take no prisoners.”
Poscharsky is an excellent photographer and shared many of the Arizona photos he took. Richards asked him what his favorite photo featured and it was the Grand Canyon. “I thought it was fitting we get a picture for him of his favorite landscape,” said Richards. “Thank you, Tom, for everything.”
Former town manager Paul Watson thanked Poscharsky for all he did for the town, stating, “Tom truly cares about this community.
“He worked to make it a sustainable community, and provide quality jobs for his people.”
Watson said that he took on the fulltime job as assistant county manager for economic development because of the efforts and time he spent working with Poscharsky.
He added that he has met with another community that’s doing exploration in the Snowflake area. “You’re on the map,” said Watson. “It probably is not happening as fast as any of us like, but I can tell you it’s because of the efforts of Tom and the council.”
“For all the work we can tell the love you have for the community,” Councilman Terril Kay said to Poscharsky. “I love how you always held your ground and stood for what’s right.”
He added that he was amazed by the amount of knowledge Poscharsky has, the amount of contacts he has and the amount of work he put forward in serving the town.
“You’re a great leader. We’re going to miss you, but we’re still going to work you. We want to see you, and see you continue to help the town,” Kay concluded.
“I’d like to know how many letters Tom wrote,” said Councilman Cory Johnson noting that the former mayor wrote to businesses such as Target and even to China seeking businesses for Snowflake.
Johnson noted that he appreciates Poscharsky’s fearless passion, even though he didn’t always agree with him. “He doesn’t care what other people think. He is willing to stand up with what he believed was right.”
“When you first became mayor you had one job, and that was to get the railroad. You did that and it was functioning, and working good, then you started on your other jobs,” said Vice Mayor Kerry Ballard. “Tom has been all over the world promoting Snowflake.”
“Tom was so helpful. He made sure I was in the loop,” said Councilwoman Allison Perkins. “He’s super patient and he treated me like an equal.”
Perkins said that for the last few months she has had the opportunity of working with Poscharsky at the Silver Creek Senior Center, noting that he volunteers a lot of time to the programs there. “He puts in a lot of service that he thinks people don’t see,” she said.
“The last few years with Tom have been interesting,” said Councilman Stuart Hensley, who added that he appreciates Poscharsky’s point of view and the tireless effort that he puts in every day.
“It looks like I have some big shoes to fill,” said Mayor Johnson, adding that he appreciated the comments made. “Obviously service to the community is big.”
Johnson then presented Poscharsky with a plaque and chair.
