Good things, it is said, come in threes.
    Sometimes good things leave in threes.
    In this case, we refer to Paul Cummings, Linda Streich and Don Hosford.
    Before too much time passes after the handshakes, applause, toasts, and tears, let us add our gratitude to this trio of dedicated public servants with a total of nearly 40 years of service between them.

Cummings, who had also served as mayor, stepped down from elected city office last month after 14 years (including eight years as mayor) and Streich left public office after a 10-year stint as council member and then mayor.

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Then there is Don Hosford, who has not left office yet but will do so this year, after 12 years on the Port Commission. As reported on page A1, Hosford will not seek re-election.

Between Streich, Cummings and Hosford, local agencies will have lost the experience and insight of three caring, dedicated servants. All three have spent many long hours not just at meetings but at public events representing the citizenry and burning the proverbial midnight oil that goes into the reading and research to stay informed as a decision-maker.

Public policy has never been more complicated than it is now. Consider our myriad laws, daunting fiscal and infrastructure challenges, rising public expectations and fears over the economy’s impact on the ability of local government to meet its goals and move ahead.

Add to that the increased need for cooperation between government agencies. That very factor adds interest to the departure in 2008-09 of Cummings, Streich and Hosford: In recent years the port and city have increasingly demonstrated that ability to work together. We believe these officials have helped establish a model that will continue.

In his interview starting on page A1, Hosford said something that could serve as a Public Service 101 statement: “In the public sector, things move slowly but they do move. I’ve made some enemies along the way, I’m sure; but I think that I’ve made many more friends.”

It sums up his public career, and captures the big picture sense of elected office and all its ups and downs.

Hosford’s post will be filled through the standard ballot process this fall. If past campaigns are any indication, a lively contest is sure to emerge this time. We certainly hope so.

It’s important to note that while we are losing three voices of experience, no one is suggesting that Streich or Cummings are going anywhere. And in Hosford’s case, he remains in office for another six months. Our thanks to all three for their excellent work.

Once out of office, all three will still be around and their insights will always remain valuable in their roles as citizens.

But citizens needn’t wait for emeritus status to have a say in what goes on. Elected officials pass ordinances, set policies, spend tax money, approve fees, make real estate deals, alter boundaries, and do all kinds of other things that, like them or not, affect all our lives.

Pausing to consider where three people’s public service ends is a good place for anyone else in the community to consider where theirs may begin.