City council honors long-time civil servants

Three men who logged decades serving city honored with proclamations.

Amherst City Council passed three emergency resolutions Sept. 24 in honor of former civil servants for their commitment and dedication to the city.

Former mayor David Taylor, former auditor David Kukucka and former council president John Dietrich attended the meeting.

“I’d like to say, and I’ve always felt this way, nobody does this by themselves,” said Taylor, who served as Amherst mayor for 12 years before announcing in 2015 he was not running for reelection. “It takes the help and cooperation of everyone.”

As for the current council, Taylor said, “The city is very fortunate to have this group of people making sure they’re doing the city’s business.”

Taylor, who was the only honoree to take to podium with comments, was honored for his 26 years of service to the city, including his work as second ward councilman – where he served two terms – eight years as Amherst’s safety director, two years as safety service director and was the city’s 35th mayor.

As mayor, Taylor improved the water, sewer and electrical distribution systems, obtained over $5 million in grants for city programs and competed the Jackson Street bridge project.

Current Council President Jennifer Wasilk thanked Taylor for “12 years of enlightenment.”

Kukucka’s resolution was the first to get passed.

He was a Ward 4 council member and council-atlarge member for 10 years, the city’s auditor for over 12 years and has served the community for more than 22 years, according to the Council’s resolution.

As his work as an auditor, Kukucka secured funds to complete the Jackson Street bridge project, as well as receiving the Ohio State Auditor’s Award of Distinction in Excellence in Annual Reporting eight times during his career.

Current Council-at-Large member Joe Miller, who read each of the resolutions aloud during the meeting, extended his congratulations to Kukucka.

Dietrich was recognized for his committed service beginning in 1972, which included two years as an electrical inspector, two years on zoning board of appeals and as president and member of the board of directors of Amherst Community Investment Corporation.

According to the resolution, Dietrich played a significant role in the development of Amherst, including the relocation of the LorMet Credit Union headquarters, 2051 Cooper Foster Park Road and other businesses and factories.

“I’d like to personally thank Mr. Dietrich for the example he has set (for the city),” Wasilk said after the resolution was read.