With regret, we must now report that he has decided to step aside as our representative. "My wife and I just made the big

move to Florida," says Walsh. "And I must admit that we are enjoying ourselves here and don't miss all the cold and snow, at least for now."

But with the move, there came some hard decisions. That included remaining in the Association's seat on the Lexington Coalition Bargaining Committee, which naturally could not continue under the circumstances.

According to Walsh, "I'm honored that I was able to serve so long and work with so many exceptional people on behalf of retirees, survivors and employees. It's also reassuring to know that the Association's seat will be filled by an excellently qualified individual."

That person happens to be Arthur Washburn, who is currently one of the elected members on the Lexington Retirement Board. When he was a Lexington firefighter, Washburn also served as president of the local union.

"It's a coincidence, but when I became union president, I succeeded my old friend John Walsh," remembers Washburn. "Now here I am again following in his footsteps."

"We're gratified that Arthur has agreed to take on this important position for us," says Association President Ralph White. "I've known him as a strong advocate for retirees - including when Lexington deliberated over acceptance of coalition bargaining so many years ago - and am confident that he will bring the same qualities to his work on the committee."