Bluffton has been fortunate in recent years to have a council made up of a great cross-section of the community. We have persons from several backgrounds, all willing to contribute to the discussions of where the village ought to be headed.

Gone from that mix of voices is Bruce Marshall. He chose not to seek reelection this past fall. We will miss his voice at the council table. Bruce's retirement not only closes his own chapter on public service. His father, Jerry Marshall, for many years was also a council member. Perhaps that's why Bruce decided to seek the office in the first place. We don't know that for certain; it's simply our guess.

We always listened when Bruce spoke up in council. If we were to label him in any particular way, it would be fiscal watchdog. In our view, there are professional ways to asked pointed questions about spending money and there are, quite honestly, stupid ways to ask.

Bruce had a nack to ask ackward questions in a very professional way. When he asked, people listened. We respected him for carrying this quality on the council.

There are several other good qualities that we will miss in having Marshall at the village table. We congratulation him for his years of service, for his willingness to ask questions and for the time he spent helping to shape Bluffton's future.

Bruce, your questions were good ones. Your viewpoints were well taken. Your service is appreciated.