Decades of service

The Waseca City Council held its final meeting of 2022, which was also the final meeting for outgoing mayor Roy Srp and city councilman Allan Rose. Between the pair, they have 56 years of service to the city, 31 for Srp and 26 for Rose. 

Mayor Srp read Rose’s plaque: “Congratulations on your retirement, Councilmember Allan Rose; after 26 years of service to the people of Waseca. Never underestimate the difference you made and the lives you touched.” 

Councilman Rose read Srp’s plaque: “Congratulations on your retirement Councilmember and Mayor R.D. Srp. After 31 years of service to the people of Waseca, your openness to the people, your caring ear, and hard work is going to be missed.”

(There was a mixup with the years of service shown on the plaques. The correct number is reflected in this article.)

“Thank you to the citizens of Waseca,” Mayor Srp said. “You have been very good to me. Thank you for all the blessings through the years. I will never forget the most interesting experiences I’ve had going up and down the streets of Waseca.

“There are times that (this job) is more than a person thought they could handle. I can’t give enough recognition to my wife. Coming home from council meetings, wondering why are we doing this? She reminded me, made me remember, why. I couldn’t do this if she didn’t support me throughout. The same is true for my kids and grandkids. I’m incredibly fortunate. And for all the people who have been up here and supported me, I’d love to thank each and everyone one of them by name, but I just couldn’t. And to everyone who comes up here to represent the finest people in the United States, the residents of Waseca. Thank you.”

Rose said he promised his wife he wouldn’t cry. He broke that promise.

“Fantastic constituents, an unbelievable 26 years,” Rose trailed off.

“There’s no crying in baseball,” Councilperson Stacey Schroeder joked. 

“That’s right,” Rose chuckled. 

“I have to thank all my constituents who voted for me through 7 elections. It’s been quite a 26 years and I’ve enjoyed it all. I have a lot of things I can tell young council people coming aboard and I’ll do that in private. What I can tell you is one thing. The best way to deal with constituents, happy or angry ones, whether they’re calling to complain or something else is to go to their home. (Meet them in person). It works. It works every time.”

The tears continued to flow.

“It’s getting harder now,” Rose continued smiling through the tears. “I’m gonna write a letter and ask Carl to read it (at a later date). Thank you everyone.” 

The meeting drew to a close about an hour and half later, but not before every member of the city council expressed his or her gratitude for Mayor Srp and Councilman Rose. 

“We are losing a lot of experience from you guys,” Councilman Mark Christiansen said. “Thank you. And when you get bored, make sure you’ll watch a few meetings and give us a hard time.” 

“It’s been nice working with these two for the past eight years,” Councilman Darren Ardnt said. “Thank you for your expertiseism.” 

Mayor Srp pulled out his handkerchief just then and jokingly asked Rose if he needed it. “It’s clean.” 

Srp thanked Rose for serving as mayor pro-temp during his time with the railroad. Derailments could pull Srp from anything and “I had to go for those. I couldn’t say I was the mayor, I have to go to a meeting.”

The pair shared a smile over the shared memories. 

“We got through it,” Rose smiled. 

“It has been an honor to serve with you these past few years,” Councilman John Mansfield expressed. “You persevere and you keep going. I wish you the best in retirement. Even if it’s in Arizona (Rose).”

“These past six years I’ve learned a lot,” Councilman Jeremy Conrath added. “I’m going to miss both of you.” 

Rose promised Conrath, “Don’t worry, I’ll still be on your case.”

Although Mayor Srp forgot his annual tradition of singing “Merry Christmas,”  at the close of the meeting, he did get the final word. 

“I’m going to miss this position. I’m going to miss having people come up to me and complain. Well, they’ll probably still complain. Representing the City of Wasca as mayor has been an honor. Thank you all for your support over the years.”

*Editorial note - Mayor Srp requested media outlets in town not interview him, so this will likely be the only article referencing his career. He did make a note telling the Pioneer that sharing his journey and battle as an alcoholic was his story, at least a major part of it. Readers interested in reading said article can find it on the Pioneer’s new website, expected in early January, 2023.”