Friday, April 5, 2024
I am so sad to hear of Arnie's passing but I know his was a life well lived. Arnie was a giant in County government from an era when legislators took on big issues without fear of consequences. I learned almost all I know of County government from Arnie. As his assistant when he was President of the Legislature, he would dictate letters to me and call me "the lad." He was a grandfatherly mentor to an incredible staff in their early twenties, many of whom would grow up to lead local government. He would hold court among the young staffers and regale us with inside stories and public policy debates. Arnie had a great sense of humor and mirth, but imparted upon me a deep appreciation for the seriousness of public service. A fiscal conservative and a man of deep faith, he was always a class act. His legacy includes the consolidated 911 system, flat property taxes, restoring the internal audit function, saving the elephants at the zoo, establishing a defined contribution retirement plan and equalizing the sheriff's pension benefits. A pipe bomb scare didn't deter him from implementing a deer management program that reduced out of control accident rates, and he was a fierce advocate for smoke-free restaurants before it was the consensus. Arnie knew his facts and stood up for what he believed, even if it wasn't popular.
Teddy Roosevelt famously said, the "credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena." Arnold J. Eckert lived his life in the arena and we are all better for it.
Brayton Connard
