MEYER DESERVES PLAUDITS FOR LONG-TIME SERVICE

A page in the history of Jackson was turned this week. After 20 years on the job, Carlton Meyer handed over the reins as mayor to Paul Sander, who was elected by Jackson voters last month. Meyer's work for the city of Jackson and in other endeavors exemplifies the term "public servant," and we commend him for a job well done.

Some people display early in life a desire to serve others ... Meyer is such an individual. A veteran of World War II and a 30-year member of the Missouri National Guard, Meyer showed an advanced aptitude for giving of himself. He was elected mayor of Jackson in 1973 and presided over the city as it expanded its industrial base, broadened its corporate boundaries, improved its infrastructure and increased its population.

His leadership in Jackson went beyond city government. Semi-retired now from a business he operated 43 years, Meyer was president of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, an officer in the Jackson Industrial Development Corp., and an officer in the Regional Commerce and Growth Association. That is in addition to his civic work with the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (in which he was state commander) and the Jackson Rotary Club (in which he was district governor).

It takes a great deal of self-motivation to persevere as a leader, whether of a city or of anything. It takes the knowledge that some people, no matter how good your intentions or how thorough your efforts, will inevitably criticize you and disparage your good work. It takes a strong resolve to stand up to that and keep going for the common good. Carlton Meyer's efforts over the last two decades had a hand in the growth Jackson has experienced, and he is to be commended for that.