We recognize that serving in public office is not an easy job. Trying to competently represent a given district while navigating the practical political realities present on a council or board is a task that presents many challenges. It is important to be able to make a compelling case for a district’s needs, to be influential and to work well on a team. And while everyone makes mistakes from time to time on the job, a public servant’s decisions — good or bad — are open to a special level of scrutiny and dissection.

It is, in part, because of these difficulties and her service in the face of them that we would like to commend Farmville Ward B Councilwoman Sally Thompson in the wake of her resignation from the Farmville Town Council. She served her district and the town on the council for a decade.

“It is with regret and excitement that I am writing to inform of my decision to resign from my position as Ward B representative on Farmville Town Council effective Dec. 31,” Thompson said at the Dec. 6 council work session, reading from a letter she wrote for the council. “In the beginning of January, William and I will be moving to North Carolina to begin a new and exciting phase of our lives.”

She expressed great respect for her district, the town and her fellow council members, illustrating the seriousness with which she took her role as councilwoman.

She noted that “moving to Farmville and serving on the town council has been one of the highlights of my 80 years.”

After Thompson’s announcement, Mayor David Whitus passed a resolution of appreciation, recognizing her 10 years of service on the council.