The Edgewood Commission meeting July 9 was packed with members of the community waiting for their turn to say goodbye to Commissioner Jerry Powers.
“There are personal matters that have come up that are critical, and not the least of which are medical,” Powers said. “I have pushed them off as long as I could to get what I could to the town, and it’s now become critical. So I don’t really have a choice.”
Powers was first elected to his seat on the Town Commission in November 2021 and re-elected in November 2023.
Accomplishments during Powers’ term were discussed in the meeting, including his critical role in road improving Edgewood roads and getting the town’s wastewater treatment plant operating within environmental guidelines. Powers said he was proud of construction improvements for ECHO Ridge Park and restoring the leases for ECHO Ridge Park and Poker Draw Open Space, and helping to preserve the town’s cultural history by designating several buildings for their significance in the town.
Edgewood Police Chief Roger Jimenez gave an emotional goodbye to the commissioner.
“When I came here, Commissioner Powers was one of the commissioners on the panel who asked me a lot of great questions,” Jimenez said, “He never beat around the bush. His questions were straight to the point and questioned my integrity, which I appreciate. I like to think I pass the passed the test.”
Powers gave Jiminez an emotional thumbs-up during his comment.
The commission is responsible for appointing Powers’ replacement. Whoever is appointed will serve until December 2025.
“We’ve worked quite closely together the last two years. We have spent a lot of time getting to know each other. And I have learned so much from you,” Town Manager Nina McCracken said. “I’m supposed to be a big tough lady, but I got a little sense that you’re going to be greatly missed. I have known about this for weeks, and I had called commissioners telling them, I’m probably going to really miss you.”