REMARKS from ELLEN TILLAPAUGH

Administrator Barown Excelled

Editor’s Note: Here are Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch’s remarks at a Sunday, Nov. 1, reception honoring retiring Village Administrator Teri Barown on the veranda at 22 Main.

That we are going to miss Teri Barown’s institutional knowledge, competent expertise and efficiency is a given. In my nine years as an elected official, Teri’s leadership abilities were always apparent and so very valued.

Village officials, residents and visitors have all benefited from her professional and skillful handling of village administration. She could keep the day-to-day operations of this Village flowing smoothly and, at the same time, was willing to take on new tasks, learn new skills and accept new challenges.

And she always did it calmly and impartially – though as all of us who worked with her know and at times witnessed, she never has suffered fools gladly. And as (former Mayor Jeff Katz) and I often remarked, she doesn’t necessarily have a poker face – if we headed off in what she perceived as the wrong direction – she didn’t have to say anything – we knew.

Without a doubt this year has had its trials – including a March village election delayed three times and then for the first time, a tie vote, necessitating a runoff election. But as a fine example of Teri’s competency – representatives from both parties recognized and voiced appreciation for Teri’s impartial and informed handling of the election.

I know I personally will miss her not only as a trusted and knowledgeable Village Administrator but also as a friend. And as a friend I totally understand and respect her decision to retire and enjoy, what this pandemic has highlighted – the importance of family. The Village’s loss is her children’s and grandchild-ren’s gain – Blake, Olivia and Rhyder – have won the lottery and are blessed to have a loving and in-charge grandmother caring for them.

Teri your Colleagues and Community wish you a long and joy filled retirement – filled with family, travels and many celebrations. Thank you sincerely for 15 years of dedicated service to our hometown Village.

And finally – a special gift, selected and paid for by the entire Village Board – a gift representing how very much we respect and value you – and how very much you have meant to not only each of us, but all the Village of Cooperstown itself. We are fortunate that Jim Dean made this gift possible,

So Teri – lift the drape – I will then read the info and Dedication Label.

The original image of this bird’s-eye image of Cooperstown, was drawn by hand, and printed with stone lithography, in Troy, by Lucian R. Burleigh in 1890. This is an archival, enhanced view of that original image provided by Jim’s company, New York Archival Prints, here in Cooperstown.

Here is the dedication label::
“To Cooperstown Village Clerk and Administrator Teri L. Barown, upon the occasion of your retirement. Your 15 years of outstanding service to the Village of Cooperstown as Village Clerk and Administrator, are very appreciated by our community and its elected officials.

“From the Village Board of Trustees with our best wishes. November 1, 2020.”

In the long history of Cooperstown commemorated by this 19th-century Village map, your 15-year tenure as Village Clerk and Administrator represents a standard of distinguished, diligent, and loyal public service that is an example to Village officials, employees, and community members. On behalf of all of us, thank you.