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Outgoing Munson trustee receives accolades
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - February 18, 2009)
Outgoing Munson trustee receives accolades
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Munson Township officials and the community bid farewell to outgoing Trustee Frank Gliha last week, recognizing him as an asset to the community in his 13 years of service.
About 30 people showed for the special tribute that included Mr. Gliha's favorite, a Cassada cake, an honorary firefighter's helmet from the fire department and a special tribute from his wife.
Mr. Gliha resigned his seat on the board after being appointed to the post of Geauga County auditor.
Among those attending were Mary Samide, a former Munson trustee who is a Geauga County commissioner, and a host of "Munson Notables," residents who have been recognized for their service to the township.
Trustee Todd Ray, who served alongside Mr. Gliha for 11 of his 13 years, said Mr. Gliha is a "good and honorable man" whom he may not always have agreed with in their decisions, but always had the best interests of the township in mind.
"It is a bit hard to imagine sitting up at this table without Frank," Mr. Ray said. "For each of the 11 years that I have served as trustee, Frank has been sitting either on my right or my left at the table."
He said they both served the township well, even when they were not in agreement.
"As many of you who have attended these meetings have seen, Frank and I have not always agreed on everything," Mr. Ray said. "That's OK. I suppose it is a testament to good government that that has been the case. Good government is not always reflected in unanimous votes."
Even when there were disagreements, he said, those disagreements never carried over to other township matters.
"I can say that even when disagreeing on important matters, the discussion was always civil," Mr. Ray said. "Frank's conduct on this board was always respectful and we were able to make decisions and move on and get the township's business done responsibly. Often the next issue to deal with may be only five minutes later, but that next decision would be unaffected by the previous vote."
Mr. Ray said he will always remember the philosophy Mr. Gliha held and shared with him when Mr. Ray joined the township board.
"Frank set the tone for me from the first days as a trustee, when he welcomed me and shared his perspective on the office -- that as long as we are honest with each other, we will work well together," Mr. Ray said. "That has been true. Frank has been open-minded and a supporter of new ideas, as well as a good steward of the legacy of the community and the best practices that keep it running well."
Mr. Ray called on those attending to recognize Mr. Gliha's service, leadership and contributions to the township and to wish him well in his new venture.
"He has taken on some unpleasant and unglamorous roles that are part of the duty of trustee, but never complained," Mr. Ray said. "I am confident that Frank will continue to be a support to Andy (Bushman) and me, and a contributor to our township for years to come."
Mr. Gliha's wife, Bernadette, also had a surprise for her husband at the farewell event. She presented him with a U.S. flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Gliha said she had worked with Sen. George Voinovich, R-Cleveland, to be able to get the flag for a fee.
She said she had asked Mr. Voinovich to help her to be able to provide her husband with the flag to honor his service to the township.
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