Foley Council Recognizes Outgoing Members, Vera Quaites and Rick Blackwell

FOLEY – Foley recognized two City Council members with a total of more than 30 years of service during their last official meeting.

The council presented resolutions of commendations and appreciation to Vera Quaites and Rick Blackwell. Both members were elected to the council in 2008.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said Blackwell and Quaites have carried on a council tradition of public service to Foley.

“We're going to miss you guys,” Hellmich said. ”You always put Foley first. During these past years, the integrity of this group is without question. So thank you.”

Hellmich said that while Quaites did not speak at meetings as often as some participants, she worked diligently to accomplish what needed to be done.

“You're quiet,” Hellmich said. “You don't get out there. It wasn’t about you. It's about our city and about the people you represent. A lot of people don't realize what all you've done behind the scenes to move things forward as I do. We appreciate it.”

“Thank you so much for what you've done. This is not enough for all you’ve done, but you have been there for our city,” Hellmich added when presenting Quaites with the resolution.

Quaites thanked Hellmich and other officials, including Wayne Trawick and Charles Ebert III who will remain on the council when the new term begins in November.

“You all are like family to me,” Quotes said. “When I came here, you treated me with the utmost respect and love, and I really appreciated that, and you still do. So I will continue as I close this chapter in my life, but I've never closed the friendships that I have made and gained here. So I want you all to know and the council, Wayne, Charlie and the rest of you, that y'all have been a mentor to me, and I appreciate it.”

Hellmich also praised Blackwell’s work over the last four terms in office.

“You've been a great member of this team,” Hellmich said. Our city team has great integrity. We're so proud of our city. Foley is looked at as really a well-run city around our state. I hear it from all over. People want to know what Foley is doing all the time. Unfortunately, we're doing a lot, but that's part of where we live, and it's a great place to live, and you've been part of it, and we all thank you.”

Blackwell said he was pleased to have worked with Foley as it has grown and developed over the years.

“One thing that impressed me when I first took office was the growth and development, such as the hospital, and look at what we’ve got today,” Blackwell said.

Blackwell and Quaites were joined by family members as they received the resolutions. Hellmich said elected officials depend on the support of their families during their service.

“It's not just the council people,” Hellmich said. “It is the support of all the family, because people don't realize the amount of time that a council person has to put in.”

Blackwell will be replaced as District 4 City Council representative by Larry Engel. 

Quaites’ position as District 2 council member will be filled by Timothy “Tim” Lower when the new term begins Nov. 3.

Other council members include Roddy Burkle, who was sworn in as District 3 representative in October and returning incumbents Trawick and Ebert.