The City-County Council begins its meetings with a variety of tributes.  Sometimes, councillors acknowledge special constituents in the chamber.  Maybe a quick introduction and the voter waves from the crowd.  At other times, the tributes are more formal.  Either way, they can be easy to overlook on the way to the “big news” of the night.  But, it seems I always hear of someone whose accomplishments merit a “Special Resolution”, at the very least.

One such resolution, last night, was Proposal 257.  It honored Jim Butz, the band director at Ben Davis High School.  He’s preparing to retire after 25 years at the school.  Ben Davis is most often celebrated for its success on the football field.  I suspect Mr. Butz spent a lot of time on the field, too — directing the half time shows.  The resolution praised him for, among other things, leading the Ben Davis band to six state championships.

Butz refused to take credit for all of the musical success.  He said he’s worked with “an awful lot of good kids.”  And, upon hearing his list of achievements recited in the council chamber, Butz said “I guess I do need to retire.”