A big void left at city hall (07/23/05)

There are public officials and there are public servants.

Barbara Blackford was a public servant.

First as Jay County recorder, then as Portland clerk-treasurer, she served her community with dedication, keen intelligence, and good humor.

All mayors and all city councils depend on a good clerk-treasurer to keep them on track financially, and Barbara provided the sort of quiet guidance that makes others look good.

An active Democrat, she didn’t believe in party boundaries when it came to doing her job; she simply believed in serving the public.

It was testimony to her service that local Republicans ran no opponent against her in the last city election. They knew the clerk-treasurer’s office was in good hands.

Barbara’s death this week stunned all who knew her. Without her, city hall isn’t going to be the same. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]