Page 6 - Conference2020 Vol38 ?No4

TCAPWA

Reflections on Past, Present, Future

In this issue, as we take a look back at the history of TCAPWA, we asked Chapter Past Presidents had begun to master the art of branch
to reflect on their time in office, the present state of the profession, and what they see for the future meetings and were presenting a superb
of Public Works. We were pleased to hear from Calvin Clifton, President 2010; Bob Freudenthal, annual conference. It was during my
President 1996; Ronnie Hammonds, President 2014; Phillip Jones, President 2019; Bill Kilp, President tenure as Tennessee Chapter?President
1994; Mark Miller, President 1991; Bo Mills, President 2005; and Phil Pindzola, President 1997. and Past President that I began to learn
just what Public Works folks meant
As you reflect on your time as TCAPWA cameras and news reports have moved on to their communities.? As I prepared
President and Past President, what jumps to other things). These professionals do speeches, addressed the Tennessee Chapter
out at you?the most?in terms of?the value their work in an efficient, safe, and effective Board of Directors and felt?completely
of Public Works professionals to the manner without a great deal of fanfare or overwhelmed by the role I had accepted,
communities they serve? recognition. Public Works professionals I began to see just how critical our work
are a vital part of the quality of life in their is to our communities. An often overused
Bill Kilp: Public Works professionals communities. phrase, “Quality of Life,” was prevalent at
communicate with their elected officials, Ronnie Hammonds: They are on the front that time and I sure saw just how much
their citizens and their employees. They lines providing every day infrastructure Public Works professionals brought to the
are expected to be experienced in so many needs to our citizens – everything from foundations of a community’s quality of
areas so when they communicate, their sanitation services to road repairs to life.
experience brings value. water, sewer, storm sewer and emergency Phil Pindzola: Public Works serves as a
response. You want to see the Public principal service in the development
Calvin Clifton: Public Works works Works guys in front of your house picking and building of communities. Once
for?everyone! The Public Works profession up the garbage – but, maybe don’t want to constructed, then we maintain. Any Public
is vital to everyone as we provide the see the other first responders in your front Works professional or line employee?who
essential services for health, safety, and yard. thinks less, should not be in the profession.
quality of life.? Much of what Public Works Phillip Jones: I think what we do, while not Tell us a couple of ways you feel the
does is taken for granted, as it is out of always glamorous, allows cities and towns organization is continuing to serve our
sight and out of mind for the most part. to function day-to-day. As long as we are Public Works professionals.
Strangely there is value in that alone! doing our jobs well, people don’t need to
Providing, operating, and maintaining the worry that their streets will be safe, that Bill Kilp: The TCAPWA organization
nation’s infrastructure is what we do – day their trash and recycling will be picked up, creates a pathway, allowing Public Works
in and day out. During my career and that their curbs will be cleared of brush. professionals from different communities
especially throughout my involvement We take a little bit of stress off peoples’ to have a way to meet each other and share
with APWA, the value of Public Works plates, which right now, is more important experiences, ideas?and friendship.
has become increasingly apparent. than ever. Calvin Clifton: APWA provides a nationwide
Being recognized as first responders is Mark Miller: You got to want to help people, network of experts (30,000 strong) that
an important accomplishment for the not like fire or police but more basic needs assist each other in solving problems and
profession.? with more citizens and more often. You addressing issues in the communities that
don’t have to call 911 to get our help. they serve.? Advocating for and increasing
Bob Freudenthal: Public Works professionals Bo Mills: The Tennessee Chapter in 2005 the awareness of the public works
are the “Silent Warriors of First Response.” was about to hit a growth spurt. We profession is an important role that APWA
They provide service during the initial provides its members and communities.
event and continue until the job is
complete (oftentimes long after the

MARK MILLER - 1991 BILL KILP - 1994 BOB FREUDENTHAL - 1996 PHIL PINDZOLA- 1997
6 TPW Conference 2020