"I fully intended to present these remarks to you a year ago, but decided to give Stevens Point one more year of service.

28 years ago, Stevens Point Common Council member Roger Bullis, who was a stranger to me, called me while I was working for the Department of Revenue in Madison and asked if I would be interested in the job as Stevens Point's Assessor. I told Mr. Bullis that I was not looking for a job but would be willing to talk with the city's representatives. My work with the Department of Revenue took me throughout the state, and apparently my reputation, presumably good, was well known. I accepted the city's offer and the rest, as they say, is history.

I am very grateful to have been surrounded by a truly dedicated and hard-working staff, and am very proud of what we have accomplished over the years. I have lead the city through three highly successful city-wide revaluations. I have received exceptional performance evaluations from the current Mayor and former Mayors. When the Department of Revenue conducted a performance audit of Portage County, back in the days when they had the resources to do them, my office received the highest ranking of all municipalities in Portage County. Out of a possible 100 points, I believe our office scored in the mid to upper 90s.

I am also very grateful to my peers who have honored me on many occasions and in many ways over my entire career. I had the good fortune to be elected to serve as President of the International Association of Assessing Officers, and have served in leadership positions at the state and regional assessment level, including the Governor's Advisory Council on Assessor Education, the League of Municipalities' Assessors Institute, and the Wisconsin Assessors Association. I received a commendation from the Governor in 1996 for bringing proficiency and expertise to my profession and for my commitment to excellence in assessment.

One thing that I am most proud of is the action I took to appeal the city's equalized values. It was the first case of its kind to go all the way to the Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission in Madison. Under my direction, we were successful in winning this two-year appeal. This win meant more than $300,000 to the city right away, and at least $100,000 every year thereafter. It has more than paid my salary many times over.

Irving Thalberg, a famous movie producer long since deceased, once said, "Credit you give yourself is not worth having" and I truly believe in that. So those of you who know me well know that it is unlike me to pat myself on the back. I am known for keeping a low profile and my nose to the grindstone. But if there was ever a time to make my accomplishments known, it is now. I am very proud to put my career highlights before you and wish you all good luck in the future.

I would be remiss in my comments if I didn't tell you that it is hard to be an assessor. I have had to work with the phone company and police department regarding troubling phone calls that I have received, my house has been vandalized when no other house in my neighborhood has, and the police have escorted people out of my office on more than one occasion.

Stevens Point is very fortunate to have as its employees a group of people who are extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated to public service. I encourage everyone to treat them with the respect that they deserve. I will truly miss my contact with city employees and wish them all the very best.

Thank you for your unwavering support, keep the bar raised high, preserve your high standards, and never permit the tail to wag the dog. Thank you your Honor for indulging me this time on the agenda."