South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Citizens, officials pay tribute to former Green Park mayor

Green Park Board of Aldermen meetings typically aren’t very well attended.

That wasn’t the case last week, though, as residents jammed into City Hall to honor former Mayor Tony Konopka. Konopka, who served as mayor since 2007, submitted his resignation in August, citing health reasons.

Former Ward 1 Alderman Bob Reinagel, who was appointed mayor after Konopka’s resignation, organized the tribute to his predecessor.

In a proclamation he presented to the former mayor, Reinagel noted Konopka’s service to the city and its residents dates back to Green Park’s incorporation in 1995.

He was an original member of the Board of Adjustment, serving from 1995 to 1999. In addition, Konopka served as the city’s street commissioner, on the Board of Aldermen for four years and on the Planning and Zoning Commission for 10 years.

Konopka’s leadership, Reinagel read from the proclamation, “… United public officials, residents and businesses, which resulted in moving the city of Green Park into a positive direction, while always protecting the residential integrity of the neighborhoods and the neighbors that make up the great city of Green Park …”

He continued, “… The Board of Aldermen wishes to recognize Tony Konopka for his knowledge, experience, leadership, passion, profound dedication and service to the city of Green Park, Mo., by proclaiming Oct. 19, 2012, as Tony Konopka Day.”

The current mayor also recognized Konopka’s wife, Sue.

“Your support has been noted,” Reinagel told her.

The former mayor said the city’s accomplishments are a team effort.

“… The board members, the mayor, through the years, we didn’t always agree, but unlike maybe the pro politicians, we were able to work through our differences and get things accomplished …,” Konopka said. “I don’t feel it’s (something) that I’ve done, but it’s something that we have done and we have all done as a team …”

For his service, Konopka also was presented a Missouri House resolution by Rep. Cloria Brown and a state Senate resolution by John Judd of Sen. Jim Lembke’s office.

Perhaps Diane Monteleone, Green Park’s first city clerk and later city administrator/city clerk, put it best when she said of Konopka, “Honestly, I have never seen someone who has committed their time and so much of themselves as you have to this city and you certainly have left your mark …”

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