The Observer Newspapers |Tirrell Corrects History of Appointment

April 17, 2008

Tirrell Corrects History of Appointment

To the editor:

Bob Ashdown's version ("Council Actions Have Been Divisive," The Observer March 28) of my appointment to the Planning Commission in 2002 is a little bit off. After the May 2002 election, a member of the 2000-2002 Town Council (not me and not my opponent for mayor) suggested to the other members of council and then-Mayor Carol Bruce that I be appointed to fill the upcoming vacant Planning Commission seat. I had experience on the Planning Commission in 1988-1990 and had served five terms on council in 1990-1992 and 1994-2002. I agreed to serve if appointed.

I didn't ask to be appointed, did not make or second the motion to appoint me, and was absent from the dais when the other members of council voted 6-0 to appoint me. This occurred before Richard Thoesen became mayor in 2002.

My opponent in that May 2002 mayoral election, then Mayor-elect Thoesen, did indeed vote for me, but as a member of the 2000-2002 council along with the other council members and Mayor Bruce.

I appreciated his support as a fellow member of council to return to the Planning Commission following the final adjournment of the 2000-2002 council. In my own show of post-election conciliation, I attended Mayor Thoesen's swearing inÑand two years later Mayor Mike O'Reilly's swearing in. Being present was for me the right thing to do to show unity. I was grateful that then Vice Mayor Darryl Smith attended the swearing in of this mayor and council.

Bill Tirrell Sr.

Herndon

Editor's note: Mr. Tirrell is a member of the Herndon Town Council and is running for re-election.