By Ashley McCarty-
Ted Grooms, former mayor and most recently, West Union councilman, has announced his resignation.
A lifelong resident of West Union, Grooms began serving the community in 2007 after being appointed to council to fill a leftover term. He would officially run for the seat the next election, and serve on council until 2011. In 2012, he was elected mayor, and served eight years, before once again taking a position on council in January 2020. He served for six months.
Grooms submitted his letter of resignation to the council at their June 29 meeting. The letter, which Grooms wished to be published by The Defender, reads as follows:
Honorable Mayor Buda,
I am writing to notify you of my resignation from the Board of Village Council, effective midnight, June 30, 2020. It is not a decision that was arrived at without much contemplation and soul searching.
I have served the village and its residents for nearly 13 years now, and feel my obligation to the community has been fulfilled. I have very few regrets concerning my service and have been blessed to work with a dedicated, encouraging and wonderful group of people.
This is the time in my life that I feel it is right to step down and allow others to share in the responsibility of governing. Whether I want to admit it or not, I am living my “golden years.” One of the better aspects of them is that you view situations and life, in general, with a newfound clarity. That clarity directs your path and helps you move forward.
It is so incredibly easy to set on the fringe and surmise the solution to everything without the responsibility of sworn public service. I encourage all those who truly believe they could make a difference to step to the front, run for office, and possibly serve. I would advise you to be thick-skinned, not easily offended, and please educate yourself on federal, state and local law.
President Lincoln stated, in his remarkable “Gettysburg Address,” something about the men who fought regardless of their dedication to cause. I will borrow a part of that and say to all, I feel that I have given “my last full measure of devotion” to the Village of West Union. Lincoln also said, “public sentiment is everything,” in reference to governing. So, in my farewell to you all, I wish you success in your necessary ventures and much deserved respect from those you so faithfully serve.
God bless you all and give you strength to continue in your service and dedication to this wonderful village that we love and live in.
Respectfully submitted,
Ted R. Grooms
