Ironton lost a statesman this week – and a politician who always seemed to put his community first.

Saturday, May 27, 2000

Ironton lost a statesman this week – and a politician who always seemed to put his community first. Ironton City Councilman Joe Black resigned from his post citing health reasons as well as a residency problem that resulted from a recent marriage.

Black has always been a friend to the city, always looking for the solution that was best for Ironton – even if it made him politically unpopular.

His first concern was never politics – only what was in the best interest of the city. You could always count on him to think along those lines even when that choice was not easy.

His comments in any debate were always clear, level-headed and simply put – and always tempered with a love for the community he served and a respect for the constituents who put him in office.

His resignation will be a great loss for city politics.

Ironton has many challenges ahead and responsible, caring and dedicated leaders will be a big part of making that a positive experience.

As council considers who to put into the vacant seat, the first consideration should be a council member who understands the larger picture and is willing to fight for his or her city’s future.

Joe Black certainly knew how to do that – well.