Kudos to the City Council of Antwerp, Ohio!
Kudos to the Court Clerk of Antwerp Ohio!
Kudos to the Police Chief of Antwerp, Ohio!
If the title of this article sounds repetitive, I apologize but I could think of no other way to begin. As you read the following perhaps you'll have a better understanding of the title. As a bit of background recently my wife was returning to Buffalo, New York from Muncie, Indiana. She had spent a tortuous week there as this was not a pleasure trip to visit relatives but rather a heartbreaking trip to place her grandmother in an assisted living facility as Alzheimer’s disease had finally taken its toll. As she drove home after such a stressful time she managed to miss a speed limit sign and as she readily acknowledges was driving above the limit. Subsequently a citation was issued which she presented me upon her return home. When I reviewed the ticket I noticed a mistake in the completion of the ticket on the part of the issuing officer. Please remember that Buffalo, New York is six hours and 375 miles from Antwerp, Ohio.
First, Kudos to the City Council for diligent searches, stringent hiring practices, and hiring of only the best as demonstrated by Police Chief George Clemens III, and Court Clerk Victoria Clemens. You have done a great service to your citizens and constituents in your selection of highly professional, capable, sincere, sensitive, and exemplary employees. You should be very proud that these are the type of people that represent your community. To anyone that ever questions your judgment on any decisions you make you can hold these two individuals up as proof of your wisdom and intelligence.
Second, Kudos to the Court Clerk of Antwerp, Ohio Victoria Clemens. I contacted Ms. Clements by phone and after she was able to locate a citation discussed with her the fact that there was a mistake in the ticket. I told her that if it was not so far, gas was not so expensive, and time not so precious I would come to Antwerp to dispute the ticket. I further explained to her the conditions under which my wife was traveling (please see above). She could not have been more helpful, more considerate, more understanding and yet more professional in her manner. She told me she would contact the Police Chief and explain what I had related to her and would get back to me. Subsequently she called me back and advised that she spoke to the Police Chief and he advised her that he would cause the violation to be dismissed. Ms. Clements could have ended the conversation there and her job would have been done. But she chose to show charity and understanding above and beyond the call of duty and spoke to me in a comforting manner for a few moments expressing her best wishes for my wife, her grandmother and me. God bless you Ms. Clements for your big heart and caring and concerned attitude for others.
Third, Kudos to the Police Chief of Antwerp, Ohio George Clemens III. I asked Ms. Clements if there was any way I could contact the Police Chief to express my thanks. She gave me his cell phone number. I called and within two rings a gentle voice answered the phone. I identified myself by name and explained that I was calling just to say a quick thank you. Chief Clements took time out of his busy day to listen to basically what he probably had already heard from the Court Clerk. He listened to our family’s personal problems (which is basically not his job), my wife’s state of mind at the time of the violation (which is basically my job), and my gratitude for his understanding of the situation (which for sure is my job). He was understanding yet professional, gracious yet effective, and indulgent yet patient. Chief Clements may God bless you as well.
I have traveled back and forth across the United States numerous numerous times. I am only too familiar with small towns and cities that treat strangers as "profit centers". The same towns that realize that people who receive tickets will never be back to appear before a judge, to ask for understanding, or to just beg for mercy. They think the ticket issued is "money in the bank". This is not the case with Antwerp, Ohio.
Citizens of Antwerp, City Council of Antwerp, and employees of the city of Antwerp, be proud of your city, of its employees, and especially of Victoria Clemens and George Clemens III! Policemen of Antwerp you have a leader to emulate! Teachers of Antwerp you have living role models for your students right in your home town!
Sincerely,
John Veyette, Buffalo New York