Dennis McHugh to Retire from the Council

The move was not unexpected and leaves us with way too much to talk about given McHugh's lengthy involvement in city government over the years.

Love him or hate, and chances are you didn't have a moderate opinion about the man, McHugh represented a very real segment of the city, one that often feels left behind by many of the decisions that are made by city government. I disagreed with many of his calls during his tenure, but could not deny they were coming from a sincere place.

I'm sure there will come a time to discuss his track record in greater detail, but for the moment I think it's best to note that McHugh's eloquent and moving defense of his support to fund the Grand Opera House restoration this summer is as pleasant a public service swan song as one could ask for.