Ten years of service to Mower County ended on Tuesday afternoon, as Commissioner Gary Nemitz resigned from the Mower County Board of Commissioners.

Friday, January 26, 2001

Ten years of service to Mower County ended on Tuesday afternoon, as Commissioner Gary Nemitz resigned from the Mower County Board of Commissioners.

"It is with deep regret that I resign as Fifth District County Commissioner, effective immediately," Nemitz said as he addressed the other members of the board.

Nemitz said that health problems have made him unable to represent the constituency at the level deserved. Stating that this decision was not made lightly, he said that ultimately his family had helped him to make the decision to resign his position.

Nemitz and his wife Barb – whom Nemitz called "the light of my life" – celebrated their 40th anniversary on Monday, just a day before he announced his retirement from the board.

He made a point of thanking the other county board members, past and present, county employees and all of the people he had met over the years, for the kindness each had shown him.

Nemitz challenged the board to work for the finalization of the multipurpose building, which he said that he had hoped to see through to its end.

"I appreciate all of the input you’ve given over the years," fellow County Commissioner Richard Cummings said. "We’ve not always seen eye to eye, but we’ve always remained friends."

Mower County Board Chairman Dave Hillier said that those two functions – being friends and being board members – are important components to a successful board.

Nemitz also served as a member of the Austin City Council from January 1970 to January 1981.

A special primary will be held on Feb. 27 to name two candidates to replace the Fifth District seat vacated by Nemitz. The special election will be held on March 20, within the 60 days mandated by law.

Though Nemitz still owns the building where his business Nemitz’s is housed, Dan Ball will run it, since Gary Nemitz will now be fully retired.

Nemitz expects to continue to use his voice for the good of the city.

"I hope to continue to provide input as a private citizen," he said.