City bids farewell at Kirk’s last council meeting

With outbursts of laughter from 12 years' worth of stories and memories, city officials and family members gathered before the June 14 Henderson City Council meeting to give Councilman Steve Kirk a farewell.

"It has been a pleasure to serve," Kirk said. "Those 12 years went by fast."

Kirk, who served as councilman for Ward 4, reached his term limit. Sam Bateman was elected June 7 to fill the Ward 4 seat.

Among Kirk's colleagues were former councilman Jack Clark, who served alongside Kirk for several years.

"(When I was first elected), I made it my personal assignment to get to know (Clark)," Kirk said.

Clark presented Kirk with a few keepsakes, including a drawing that Clark made during one of Kirk's first council meetings.

"He made the mistake of voting against me on something I was very passionate about," Clark said.

Clark decided, in pure humor, to draw a picture of him attacking Kirk. He kept and framed that drawing.

"That is why we have remained friends," Clark said. "I would always just remind him of that photo. But on a serious note, I believe it is not what you do but what you leave behind that's important. Steve leaves behind a legacy of service to God, service to his family and friends, and service to his community. You can't ask for more. You are leaving the way you came in -- a servant. If every elected politician could say the same thing, the world would be a better place."

In a reception area outside the council chambers, members from each city department presented Kirk with going-away presents that signified accomplishments and memories.

Some gifts, such as golf clubs, cards and a photo of a fire engine signed by all the firefighters in his ward, were serious. But others, such as a fire hydrant from the utility services department or a street sign from the public works department, which had Steven D. Kirk Way on the front and Captain Kirk on the back, were more gag gifts to commemorate the years.

With all fun and teasing aside, Kirk was honored for his contributions to his ward, his work helping create master plans, his influence in the parks and recreation department and his vision to make Henderson a better place.

"We appreciate the work you have done," City Manager Mark Calhoun said.

Kirk also made sure to thank his wife, Amy, to whom he attributed part of his voting record.

"If you wonder why I hate signs so much, it is because of her," Kirk said, laughing. "We love Scottsdale and Southern California (because they don't have giant signs). I didn't want to come home and say I voted for a sign. I wanted to go home and say I voted against a sign. Everyone voted for it, but I was against it."

Contact Henderson and Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.