May 19, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
Following her part in the annual legislative update to the Select Board, Rep. Joan Meschino caught Chair Mary Power by surprise by congratulating her on her retirement from service to the town in an official capacity -- at least for now -- and wishing her well as she steps down "from two successful terms as a select person." Power is not running for another term in Saturday's election.
"It's been a pleasure to work with a professional of your caliber, with such community spirit, knowledge, expertise, and a steady hand -- and always in the town's best interests," Meschino said.
The praise continued for nearly an hour, with Sen. Patrick O'Connor and Rep. James Murphy adding their congratulations and appreciation for a job well done over many years on numerous town boards, including the Advisory Committee and Select Board.
Murphy said when he first met Power, he was "struck by your warmth and friendly face. We appreciate your working with us as a team."
O'Connor acknowledged Power's way of "tackling issues in a fair and thorough way" and also the long hours she put into the job.
Meschino and O'Connor presented Power with citations from the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Fellow Select Board members William Ramsey and Joseph Fisher, Advisory Committee Chair Robert Curley, former Advisory Committee Chair Jonathan Asher, many other people she worked with over the years, friends, and her son, Conor Power, shared their thoughts.
Town Administrator Tom Mayo -- with Power's permission, took over the meeting from there. "Some of your biggest fans are on the line," he told her.
Select Board member Joseph Fisher read remarks from fellow board member William Ramsey, who was not present. Ramsey recalled meeting Power when they served on the Fourth of July Parade Committee many years ago, and he recalled thinking that Power "would one day be leading our town.... You've made a difference in the lives of thousands of our citizens," he said.
Fisher admired Power's ability to prioritize important issues and to "build a consensus among different groups to achieve a shared goal."
Asst. Town Administrator Michelle Monsegur noted that she started her career in Hingham under what she called "the dream team" of Power, Paul Healey, and Karen Johnson, who all made her feel welcome. "You've become an important role model and mentor as well," she said.
Mayo referred to Power as his "big sister," leader, boss, friend and the first one to greet him on the first day he joined the Town Hall staff. "To say you were a dedicated public servant doesn't begin to describe your time with us," he said.
Power's husband Dan presented her with gifts on behalf of Town Hall staff during the remote meeting, including a journal containing well-wishes, memories, and messages from friends and those with whom she worked and a replica of a ship's wheel with the words, "Anyone can steer a ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course."
Those delivering the seemingly endless stream of praise and appreciation referred to her dedication, respect for all volunteers, staff, board members, and citizens; stewardship of the town; dedication, and many other qualities she expresses.
"You've run a lot of races wearing many hats for the Town of Hingham, and you've run them all well," Curley said. "Now you deserve a breather."
Healey recalled the night Power was elected to the board. "I was so happy you would be joining us," he said. "As a colleague, you're right at the top of all the fine people I've worked with."
Johnson's remarks were touching, thanking her for her many contributions to town and her civic engagement, which she said are "hard-wired into Mary's DNA."
She also noted Power's attendance at Boy and Girl Scout and many other events, 100th birthday parties for citizens, and countless meetings. "You set a high bar for selfless public service," Johnson said.
Christine Smith recalled the number of projects she worked on with Power over the years and spoke about her work ethic and sense of humor.
Her son, Conor, gave his mother credit for conducting town business over the last year "in a virtual environment" and for her dedication to the job, including on weekends and during vacations.
Power was moved by the compliments and well wishes of those whom she said she "admires and respects so much."
She also thanked the citizens of Hingham "for entrusting me with significant responsibility and for the privilege of serving on the Select Board" and offered thanks to the many people who have supported her efforts for more than a decade.
Power also expressed appreciation for the town's many volunteers serving in a variety of capacities. "Hingham runs on volunteers," she said.
And last, but not least, she thanked her family for their support.
Mayo quipped at the end of Power's remarks, "As always, we're all thinking that Mary's presentation was the best!"