By JON BAKER

LINCOLN — Eight hours before Town Council President Jeremiah T. O’Grady led his final meeting on Tuesday night, fellow member James Jahnz referred to him as “a consummate public servant (who’s) always given every item that comes up before us a great deal of thought and analysis, and then he takes that and makes an insightful decision. Fact is, he always has.

“One of his greatest attributes has been to take complex issues and simplify them to the benefit of all involved,” he added.
 “For example, Jay has brought forth an innovative plan using tax-increment financing (TIF) as a tool to help fund projects that would benefit the Lonsdale Bleachery area. His tenure as president was marked with a return to civility within the council, and he was broadbased in his ability to reach out not only to every council person but also the Town Administrator.”
For those reasons and numerous others, District 3 (Lime Rock/Fairlawn) representative Keith Macksoud -- on behalf of his colleagues -- congratulated O’Grady with a soliloquy, then a plaque, one that read, “In recognition and appreciation of your years of service to the Town of Lincoln and its residents.”
Seconds later, Town Administrator T. Joseph Almond offered his thanks for O’Grady’s “honesty and integrity,” and bestowed another plaque from the town upon the 38-year-old Saylesville resident.
“I’ve enjoyed working with you, and I believe … Lincoln is a better place because of your outstanding achievements,” Almond stated. “I believe one day down the road I’ll see you back here.”
O’Grady, who has represented his District 1 section (Saylesville) for the past four years, including the last two as the “head honcho,” chose not to run for re-election this past November. In fact, he sent out a press release in July indicating he wanted to spend more time with his family, including wife, Beth Crohan, and three-year-old daughter Anna.
“My wife is pregnant with a second child, and that was clearly a factor,” he noted following the meeting. “I had to look at my life, which is all about achieving balance, and I wasn’t sure if I could adequately fulfill my duties as a husband and father, and also employee (while continuing as president). I’m also finishing my graduate degree from the University of Rhode Island (he’s chasing a Master’s in Public Administration).”
“I didn’t know I’d be the recipient of plaques, but I will say I’m surprised, honored and grateful,” he continued. “This is definitely bittersweet. It’s been such a big part of my life for the last four years; I’m giving up something in which I tried to do my best, helping the residents and businesses of Lincoln.”
After Almond’s presentation of the plaque, with a gavel prominently displayed, O’Grady joked, “You know what’s ironic? I don’t think I’ve ever used my gavel!”
During an unusually-easy, hour-long session, O’Grady presided with his typical, down-home, patient flair, and council members made it more simple with little discussion of liquor and victualling license renewals, and near-constant unanimous votes.
In fact, at the end of the “Public Comment” portion, he smiled at his wife and said, “What? No platitudes?” That drew laughter from the dozen of so in attendance.
John Flynn, representing Lonsdale (District 2) for the past two years and recently reelected to another term, claimed he didn’t know O’Grady well before he took office.
“I used to go to council meetings before I was elected; once I sat on the council, I found him to be someone who really thinks things through,” he said. “He would pick up on things that others wouldn’t think of. He always looked at issues in a ‘What if?’ way. Jay always tried to anticipate what potential effects an issue may have before the council voted on it.
“He always put a lot of thought into his job,” he added. “He didn’t just show up for meetings, and was always very well-prepared … He’s a very cerebral guy, and he treated everyone the same. Occasionally, someone would come before the council and would be very critical of us or another town official because -- in his or her mind -- they felt as if they weren’t being treated fairly. Still, he always gave them time to present their cause, and was very respectful of everybody.”
When asked if he ever had a problem with O’Grady, Flynn offered this: “Naturally, there were issues in which we’d disagree, like the Financial Town Meeting and the sewer tie-ins ordinance that just passed. But Jay would just listen to everyone’s point-of-view, and then would express his thoughts. After a vote was determined, he would -- like the rest of us -- just move on.”
Jahnz admitted he was hardly stunned when O’Grady decided not to seek re-election.
“Jay puts such a high premium on his family, and he should; I have one of my own, and I know how important it is to both of us,” he said. “His family comes first, and it should … Personally, I’m proud to have served with Jay O’Grady. During the past two years, we -- along with other elected officials and employees -- all were able to put a shine back on Lincoln town government. That’s due, in large part, to Jay’s leadership. We’re going to miss him, no question.”