At a time when government workers are routinely vilified by the public and the press, it was nice to see Frank Taylor – a truly good guy in county government – receive his due on Thursday to mark his retirement.
A longtime county employee who has served as director of the county Community Services Agency for many years, Taylor was praised by fellow county officials as “compassionate … dedicated … a consummate professional.”
The spontaneous tribute came at the Board of Commissioners meeting where Taylor was presented with a fairly routine proclamation honoring his service. Taylor was head of the agency that helps the working poor — those people who are not looking for a handout but face a financial emergency or a personal tragedy that forces them to seek temporary government assistance.
They may need help from a nonprofit food pantry to feed their family. Or help paying a utility bill so their heat can be turned back on. Or assistance in getting an access ramp for the handicapped built at their home.
One county commissioner recalled a time when a constituent – a woman with seven children – was suddenly homeless and needed a place to stay. A day-long attempt to get local churches to help failed but an after-work-hours call to Taylor, said Commissioner Phil DiMaria, resulted in arrangements for a roof over the family’s head in just 45 minutes.
I saw Taylor earlier this week and playfully asked if he was counting the days and coasting to retirement. No, he said. In fact, he added, last week was one of the busiest work weeks he had ever experienced while working for the county.
Said Commissioner Marv Sauger: “I don’t think there will ever be another Frank Taylor in that position.”
