Story by 
Charles Williams
with the Wilkes Journal- Patriot

PRESENTATION TO HARTLEY - Mayor Mike Inscore, left, presented a framed photo of the current Town Council Monday night to Councilman Jim Hartley, middle, and his wife, Ann.

Wilkesboro Councilman Jim Hartley, who did not seek re-election for a fourth term in office, was honored by town officials at the Town Council Meeting on Monday evening, November 2, 2009. Mr. Hartley was presented  with a framed photo of the town council and officials by Mayor Mike Inscore.

Both Mayor Inscore and Councilman Hartley were both elected to the council in 1997. 

All of the current council members: Sam Stroud, Jimmy Hayes and Gary Johnson, and Town Manager, Ken Noland, spoke highly of Mr. Hartley's character, leadership and expertise. 

Mr. Hartley stated, "If there ever was a good time to quit, it's when you're ahead. We've had 11 consecutive years of fully unqualified certified audits for the town. The town has a positive cash flow balance, and the cash flow will be there to manage the debt that is coming with the upcoming sewer project. You're giving me a lot of credit, but the staff at town hall works at a high level of efficiency. Also, the council has been very strong."

The council, department heads and staff will greatly miss Mr. Hartley. He has been a great asset to the town. All of us at the Town of Wilkesboro wish him good luck on his endeavors and retirement.