DeKalb Times

The DeKalb City Council said goodbye to one of is members recently, as Alderman Tony Faivre attended his last meeting after having served on the council for nearly eight years.

After his term ended, Faivre did not seek reelection, opening his seat to incoming alderman John Walker.

"As I pass the 7th Ward baton to Alderman-elect John Walker, I know there is still much work to be done," Faivre said in the April 24 City Council meeting. "You are all well positioned to continue to build upon the foundation that others have labored before. You remember the core services of the City: fire, police, public works. Excel at these items and then branch out to provide for the other community needs. Thank you very much."

City manager Bill Nicklas began the parade of well wishes, thanking Faivre for his innovation and dedication to the city.

“Certainly, you served through some tough times and some good times,” Nicklas said in the meeting. “Recession, pandemic. You've you've been very instrumental in promoting fiscal responsibility. It's been one of your keystones and as well as a very responsive government, high on your list.”

Scott McAdams, who retained his seat as the 5th Ward alderman through the election, thanked Faivre for his “stoic leadership” and his teachings that all problems can be perceived as possibilities.

Mayor Cohen Barnes shared stories of the many years he spent alongside Faivre, who sat on the council with three different mayors. Barnes spoke about the wisdom Faivre always shared with him throughout various positions of service to the city.

“The thing I appreciate most is how you always take the time to choose your words, but you always say them," Barnes said in the meeting. “Every agenda item, no matter how contentious, how many people showed up in opposition, your thoughts were measured, your thoughts were very thoughtful, and they represented the perspective of someone who grew up here and lived his life here and raised a family here, and you never hesitated to express it.”

Faivre expressed to the council his honor in being allowed to serve DeKalb's 7th Ward residents over his more than seven-year tenure.

The council presented the outgoing alderman with an honorary “Faivre Way” street sign.

“I feel I am leaving DeKalb in a better position than when I attended my first council meeting," Faivre said.