Two veteran councillors are being honoured for their long-running dedication to public service in Chatham-Kent.
Former councillors Doug Sulman and Joe Faas were presented with special plaques for their service during the council meeting on Monday night.
Both Sulman and Faas announced in August that, after 40 years, they would not be seeking another term in the last election.
Sulman was first elected to the City of Chatham Council in 1982, which made him the only remaining member of the first council to serve the amalgamated municipality of Chatham-Kent.
"I want to thank the mayor and council for the presentation," said Sulman. "I want to thank the citizens of Chatham who have given me the honour of serving them in office for 40 consecutive years."
Sulman shared some advice to council, telling them to be true to themselves, be transparent and fair, while encouraging them to do their homework in preparing for council meetings, as well as to not be a "rubber stamp."
He also told council to remember that money doesn’t grow on trees.
Sulman often referenced the fictional “Widow from Willomac” in many council meetings, when addressing municipal spending.
“When you consider issues, think of the impact they have on those hard-working taxpayers and those on fixed incomes," said Sulman.
Faas was a Dresden councillor and mayor for 22 years and was a Chatham-Kent councillor for the past 19 years.
He encouraged council to do the right thing when making decisions.
“You are going to be bombarded with a difference of opinions all the way along," said Faas. "The wrong opinions are usually more vocal than the right opinions. You have to live with yourself and when you go home at night and say 'I’m comfortable with the decision I made.''
Faas thanked the community, his family, and council.