Cincinnati City Council members who seemingly can't agree on anything found a consensus Friday: Sandy Sherman, Council's clerk for 16 years, will be missed.

        Mr. Sherman retires next week. But with his office gearing up for a busy legislative session, he insisted his retirement party come a week earlier, said City Manager John Shirey.

Long-time Cincinnati City Council clerk Sandy Sherman (left) was congratulated Friday by S. Greg Baker, the city's safety director, during Mr. Sherman's retirement party in chambers. (Dick Swaim photo) | ZOOM |

        Council members lined up to honor Mr. Sherman. And just so they spoke in order, Mr. Sherman called the roll, as he has done nearly every Wednesday since 1985: “Booth, Cranley, Cooper, DeWine, Heimlich, Monzel, Luken, Reece, Tarbell.”

        Mayor Charlie Luken declared Friday to be “Sandy Sherman Day” in Cincinnati — but didn't read the proclamation.

        It's too “official-sounding,” he said. “For those of us who have served ... at City Hall over the years, it's very personal.”

        During particularly tense meetings, Mr. Luken said he could always lean toward Mr. Sherman and hear a calming and reassuring voice.

        Some council members said they were surprised to find that Mr. Sherman — who had served Democrats, Republicans and Charterites equally well over the years — was a Republican.

        “The best thing to do if you're going to stay in this job,” said Mr. Sherman, “is to keep them confused.”
       

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