“Shedding Some Light” is a regular feature on the Opinions Page that will consist of our spin on local, state and national issues.
These work boots might be too big to fill
Tracy City Administrator Jeff Carpenter was direct and to the point when talking about Shane Daniels, Tracy’s public works director whose stint with the City will soon come to an end.
“He’s irreplaceable,” Carpenter bluntly and without hesitation told the Tracy Area Headlight Herald on Tuesday.
That’s high praise for a man who deserves it, having demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Tracy for years.
Daniels’ job is not for the faint of heart — or for those who demand a good night’s sleep every night. Taking care of residents by shoring up watermain valves or plowing through banks of snow can often be under appreciated, and it is not just a full-time job; it’s a 24/7 undertaking.
Daniels did it and did it well.
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Work ethic and drive notwithstanding, the City is losing an employee who knows the town like the proverbial back of his hand. He knows the streets, he knows the details of what makes Tracy work. His resume is without peer, and he will be missed.
Daniels lasted in his position as long as he did, not just for a paycheck every two weeks, but because of his admiration for his hometown and its people. This is why he will continue to do something as serious as fighting fires and responding to car accidents, to something as trivial as flipping pancakes every Labor Day morning.
So when you see Daniels at this year’s Fly-In at the airport, be sure to thank him for his service before you dive into those flapjacks.
