Mayor Quinn takes a final bow

Milford — There were testimonials aplenty and a few tears Monday night as Merritt Quinn completed 34 years of service to Milford Borough at his last council meeting as Mayor. As the monthly meeting wound down, the borough hall began to fill as friends appeared for planned ceremonies. Borough President Matt Osterberg began the finale by thanking outgoing council members Ed Loeschorn and James Price for their service. “But the real long-time guy is here,” he said gesturing to Quinn, who served over portions of five decades, including 26 years on the council plus eight years as Mayor. Solicitor John Klemeyer, who also has served more than 30 years, noted Quinn’s accomplishments in the founding of the borough’s water authority and general authority and his work with the Lions Club. “I can’t think of anyone who has given so much for so long,” he said. Councilman Bo Fean, who will succeed Quinn as Mayor, was admittedly emotional pausing several times as he spoke. Fean said Quinn “dedicated his life to public service and made it look easy... Thank you for being the kind of public official we can all be proud of.” There was a testimonial from Senator Lisa Baker, a plaque from the borough and a framed proclamation naming Dec. 8, as “Merritt B. Quinn Day.” Quinn spoke briefly before the cake and punch was served recalling his first election in 1962. “There’s been a lot of good times and a few bad, but not many... I’m sure gonna miss it, but I won’t be far away,” he said.