The finest public servant I’ve ever known is retiring after 39 years. He has served as the Secretary Of The Senate for something like 30 of those years. He did the job even though he didn’t have the title before that. Anyone who knows Bernard knows that he is one of the kindest and most selfless people to ever grace the public stage. Unfailingly patient, with a work ethic second to none, he has ensured that the Senate functions smoothly throughout his many years in Legislative Hall. Here are his official duties:
The Secretary of the Senate is the chief administrative officer of the Senate. The Secretary is a full-time staff official elected by the members through resolution and is administered an oath of office. The Secretary consults regularly with the President Pro Tempore on matters relating to budget, legislation and overall operations of the Senate.
The Office of the Secretary maintains records of official Senate transactions, handles the introduction and flow of legislation, send and receive legislative messages and executive communications, compiles and posts agendas, records committee reports, roll calls and the legislative journal. The Office of the Secretary assists the members and their offices with various matters as requested and is often the point of initial enquiry and direction from the public and within the legislature.
Bernard has always done so much more. He is always calling to make sure someone is OK. He thoughtfully drops by with gifts unexpectedly. He has made more friends than anyone I know, and I hope that he gets the chance to enjoy those friendships anew now that he won’t be working 12-18 hour days any more. I remember the time that President Pro Tempore Richard Cordrey had to order Bernard to accept a raise that he had earned in spades. Bernard didn’t do the job for the money.
I hope that any of you who know Bernard will share your thoughts with us. Remember that person you once met who you thought seemed so nice that it had to be an act? That is Bernard, and it’s not an act. Bernard, have a long, happy and healthy retirement. Nobody deserves it more.