Former Boulder Councilmember Mark Wallach, who resigned in July, was honored by his former colleagues during the Sept. 3 council meeting.
“One thing I appreciated so much about you as a colleague was that you always said and did what you believed to be right,” Councilmember Nicole Speer said before reading a declaration in his honor. “I’m not sure that you have a political bone in your body, unless they snuck one in with your new hip.”
Wallach, 73, resigned in protest over the council’s decision to keep Boulder Municipal Airport open indefinitely. He is also recovering from a recent hip fracture.
Wallach became well known for his candor and dry, often self-deprecating sense of humor. Speer praised his respect for city staff, commitment to honesty and transparency, and dedication to thoroughly reading each council packet. During his time on council, Wallach also became known for his deeply considered posts on the Boulder City Council Hotline, where he frequently poked fun at himself and the length of his messages.
“For those of you who have yearned for another Hotline from me, your wishes are hereby granted,” Wallach began one such email this April. “For those who would rather not hear from me at all, my sincere condolences.”
Wallach received a standing ovation in the council chambers Thursday night.
Wallach grew emotional as he addressed the room, calling his time on council “an experience of a lifetime.”
“I think my only regret is that I came to council very late in life, and my parents never got to see it,” he said. “I think they would have been proud of me.”
Wallach also thanked his wife. “Nothing I have done on council, or frankly anywhere else, could have been done without the support and love of my wife Joan,” he said. “Thank you for 40 years. It’s been wonderful. I could hope for 40 more years, but I try to be a realist.”
“That was amazing, Mark,” Mayor Aaron Brockett said, wiping his eyes. “I laughed, I cried. You will be deeply missed up here, but we’re very excited for your next act.”
