The applause was long and loud Monday as well-wishers from across the Clarkston area came to say thanks and bid City Manager Art Pappas a happy retirement.
‘I’m totally awed by this whole thing,? said Pappas, looking at the crowd gathered at the Clarkston Caf?. ‘I’m going to miss the people’this is a great community.?
Even during the inevitable times of disagreement, Pappas said he’s always had a great deal of respect for the work done by others in the City of the Village of Clarkston, Independence Township, Oakland County and beyond.
‘Whether you agree or not, they’re all dedicated and doing their job,? he said. ‘I can’t say thanks enough to all the people who’ve helped me through the years.?
Pappas said plans for the future, at this point, included driving his son Kit to the airport Tuesday morning. Beyond that, he anticipated time to ‘take it easy and take things as they come.?
Guests enjoyed strolling appetizers, drinks, cake and homemade ice cream, and Clarkston Mayor Sharron Catallo said she was happy so many showed up to let Pappas know they appreciated his dedication to the community.
‘He’s been an important part not only of the City of the Village of Clarkston, but across the community,? Catallo said. ‘He may be the easiest person to work with, ever, and he taught me so much.?
Catallo was sorry to see Pappas go, but said she was sure his family was happy to get him back.
‘He was always back from vacations in time for a meeting or some other thing we had going on,? she said. ‘He never grumbled about it.?
Dennis Ritter will replace Pappas as city manager, while Jan Gillespie takes over the roles of clerk and treasurer.
‘I’m looking forward to working with both of them,? said Catallo. ‘But I’ll always have my friend Art Pappas.?