Thank you, Sherry White

Published 2:00 pm Saturday, July 22, 2006

When I came to the Herald in October 1998 at the tender age of 25, leaving behind the glory of Eastern Washington’s garden spot, Colfax, I found myself once again sitting in an endless series of government meetings. I’d covered the county at the Whitman County Gazette and found myself covering the city of Poulsbo with a college degree and three years of community journalism under my belt.

I walked smack dab into everything from the debate over Olhava and the proposal of a pump station at Lemolo to discussions about widening State Route 305. While all three issues are still making headlines, and city council members, department heads and staff have come and gone, there were few constants at city hall.

Among them was Deputy City Clerk Sherry White.

Now that constant, who has welcomed new Herald reporters for 19 years, will be departing as well. She will be missed.

As a community it’s so easy to get wrapped up in the issues of the day, stuck talking about the machinations of politics instead of taking a break to look behind the scenes — past the speeches and promises — and to the folks who really make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Sherry was one of these fine people who was rarely recognized and thanked for her tremendous contributions to the public.

All too often, the limelight often races past the people around us who tackle much of the grunt work and chalk it up to “just doing my job.” Well, Sherry, as you head into your final of some 988 weeks with the city, this reporter-turned-editor would like to say thanks.

Thanks for making me feel welcome at city hall, whether I’d honed in on the city’s shortcomings or praised its accomplishments, you always greeted me with a smile and the utmost courtesy. You’re a class act, and I wish you nothing but the best life has to offer in your retirement.

JOE IRWIN

Editor