Mayor Dick Claar steps down

Moorcroft Mayor Dick Claar has resigned.

Claar has been fighting health issues for several months and, according to a letter addressed to the council that read at Monday's meeting, he cited these issues as the reason for his departure from office and also voiced his gratitude.

"Thank you for the opportunity to work with each of you. The town has some great goals to accomplish," stated his letter to fellow council members.

After Clerk Cheryl Schneider finished reading the letter aloud, silence prevailed for a time before Claar's former fellows spoke about the man with whom they had worked for a number of years.

Mayor Pro-tem Ben Glenn began, "This is a position I don't think anybody likes to be in. Dick's been an excellent member of this community, this board and this town for a long time. We'd like him to take care of himself and we'll try to pick up the ball as best as we can-all of us."

In absentia, Councilman Dale Petersen thanked Claar "for all the work you've done for the town of Moorcroft."

Councilman Paul Smoot talked about the kindness shown to him by Claar when Smoot was first elected, saying, "I appreciate the time I was on the council with him. I really enjoyed him and learned a lot in the first couple years just about how he could have a casual conversation flow into city business. He's one of those guys who are really great to go with down to Cheyenne and different places, he knows so many people. Everybody knows somebody in Cheyenne, but he seemed to know everybody. He’s a real asset to the town.”

Glenn smilingly agreed, “He never met a stranger.”

Schneider added her thoughts, “Dick is a true Moorcroft patron. He’s passionate about the town and the people who live here.”

The former mayor also wrote a letter dedicated to the citizens of Moorcroft to explain his decision, which read as follows.

“After careful consideration, I have determined that I cannot fulfill my duties as the Mayor of Moorcroft. My health is forcing me into this decision. In my opinion, the mayor’s position requires a lot of time and effort to perform properly. 

“Moorcroft has many worthy projects before the council. Moorcroft has an excellent council and I know the council has the people and the ability to achieve these goals.

“Moorcroft has an excellent police department, excellent clerical staff and an excellent public works department. We are blessed with a superb EMS and fire department. 

“Thank you for allowing me to be your mayor the past three years. This is an honor that I shall never forget. Moorcroft has a bright future and I am glad to have been a part of it.”

Mayor Pro-Tem Ben Glenn, who has been overseeing town matters in Claar’s absence, was subsequently appointed mayor for the rest of Claar’s term, which ends in 2023.

A request for applications to the now-empty seat on the council will be advertised and interviews conducted with the appointment approved at the February 14 meeting of Moorcroft’s governing body.