The tenure of Tom Spiess as Fayette’s village administrator certainly created a dichotomy of opinion. On the one hand, he was seen as an exceptionally dedicated public servant; on the other were people who wondered how he ever got the job in the first place.

“He’s an art teacher,” critics were quick to point out. True, Spiess retired from a long career as Fayette’s school art instructor, and it’s also a fact that he had a lot of on-the-job learning to do once he moved into the administrator’s office.

Spiess wasn’t exactly a neophyte to the role. His extensive experience with the pork packaging project provided a good foundation for learning the workings of government and seeking grants.

His knowledge quickly expanded when he began serving as administrator, working with county, state and federal agencies in attending to a variety of village issues.

Even Spiess’s critics would have to agree that he had village’s best interests in mind and that his dedication was unmatched.

For us, Spiess was a joy to work with because of his willingness to find the time to provide information and clarification to issues stemming from council meetings. For a non-resident trying to write accurate accounts of village business, Spiess’s assistance was essential.

Fayette mayor Anita Van Zile expressed concern last week, looking ahead to the vacant administrator office and wondering who would handle tasks until someone is hired.

Our concern is similar: Who’s going to answer our questions and explain the “mysteries” of appropriations, sewage rate increases and, of course, sewer work—the seemingly endless chore for Fayette.

We fall into the camp of Spiess supporters. For the past five and a half years of his service as interim village manager—before a real one is hired—we’ve been impressed with how he’s guided village council through an array of accomplishments.

Spiess has long served as a Fayette advocate. Probably his biggest disappointment as administrator came when saw the time demands push him away from the role of working toward community growth and development.

Free of the day-to-day chores of keeping the village running, Spiess will now devote more time to what he wants to do the most, to work for industrial development.

We appreciate what he’s done for Fayette and we wish him well in his second retirement.