At Monday night’s Council meeting, members paid tribute to Councilman John Saunders, a man whose heart was Salem, its people and especially the Salem Civic Center.
Saunders’ empty seat was marked by his framed portrait and a single white rose with black ribbon. The councilmember died Saturday at age 66.
At the Aug. 10 meeting and during the summer Saunders continued to participate in Council meetings remotely while sidelined due to a temporary medical condition, stemming from a foot injury he said he sustained while campaigning two years ago.
“We on Council feel John’s loss deeply. He was rooted in activities in Salem and was known by a lot of people,” said Mayor Renee Turk, her voice wavering. “He was sincere, genuine and built friendships all over this city. He had an intense work ethic. Many times he worked for 24 hours to make sure events at the Salem Civic Center happened,” she said.
“We talked frequently. He was always calm, and laid it right there. I told him I just needed to hear the voice of reason,” Turk added, before calling for a moment of silence in Saunders’ memory.
As a teenager, Saunders began working part-time for the Civic Center and continued as a full-time employee for 30 years, first as assistant director, then director after his good friend Carey Harveycutter retired to become Salem’s Tourism Director.
“Without John’s input, his connections and his willingness to work with all groups, many of these events would never have gotten off the ground. He will be sorely missed,” Harveycutter said.
On Saturday, City Manager Chris Dorsey noted “The impact John had on the City of Salem is immeasurable. I am humbled by his lifelong dedication and service to the community.”
At the close on Monday night’s meeting, Councilman Hunter Holliday pointed out Saunders had been a personal friend since childhood. “He will be greatly missed.”
Vice Mayor AnneMarie Green recalled Saunders was one of the first people she met when she moved here. “His heart was all about the City of Salem.”
Salem Times-Register Sports Editor [NAME] called Saunders “ A great guy who I’ve known for 50 years. He was playing sports for Andrew Lewis and then Salem High School when I was working for the paper. He truly loved Salem and I knew he often had to make tough decisions but always had the best for Salem in his heart. He will be truly missed.”
During Council’s work session preceding the regular meeting, Legal Counsel Jim Guynn briefed Council on how to fill Saunders’ term that runs to December 2028. Applications for a one-year appointment to that seat will be accepted beginning immediately.
“It should preferably be someone not interested in running for Council,” Mayor Turk said.
People interested in serving should send letters and resumes to Assistant City Manager Rob Light before 5 p.m. on Sept. 8. See separate article in this week’s Salem Times-Register.
In other matters at the Aug. 24 meeting, Council:
* Heard from Salem High School DECA Club representatives who asked Council to consider allowing the club to sell concessions at the annual Powder Puff girls football game at Salem Field. Proceeds are used to take children shopping to buy gifts for their families, the DECA president said;
* Also during Citizen Comments, Council heard from 11-year-old Tessa Warner, who asked Council to consider providing a teen center for Salem’s downtown, a splash park in Longwood Park, a skate park near Salem’s downtown and a bike skills loop.
In other actions, Council:
* Passed on second reading a Stormwater Utility Fee;
* Approved The Preston Place Preservation Foundation Inc. to hold outdoor gatherings of less than 500 people at the historic Preston Place, oldest house in Salem, at 1936 W. Main Street, across from Walmart. The vote was 3-1 with Councilman Randy Foley voting against it because he said he believes the number should be kept at 200 people or less.
The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.
