The turn of the new year saw three long-term public servants retire from local governments.

In Gloucester, Commissioner of the Revenue Kevin Wilson has stepped down and is succeeded by his long-time deputy, Joanne Harris. He kept our financial ship of state on an even keel for 16 years and we are grateful for his long service.

Andy James Jr. has retired after a couple of terms on the board of supervisors and an even longer career of public service leading Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue. He has always been accessible and cooperative. We will miss him.

Charles Ingram has completed seven terms on the Mathews County Board of Supervisors. Always popular, always ready to help with a knotty problem, he has deserved the tributes heaped upon him. May he enjoy stepping back from the public stage.

We have said this before: It takes a special kind of person to offer himself or herself to a critical local electorate, and to make friends rather than detractors while in office. These three ...