At its last meeting of the year, Bethlehem Authority members bid farewell to Richard Master who is retiring from 16 years' service to the city.

President Vaughn Gower presented Master with a certificate signifying a donation benefitting local youths and a cherrywood plaque.

Master said he'd found the work personally significant, and that he – a businessman – has come to see that government can sometimes do what business alone can't. "Corporations aren't people – even though the Supreme Court says they are," he said. Master said corporations often act out of self-interest rather than public benefit, and the authority is proof that government can do good work for the community.

Gower also introduced the group to Ed Boscola, the mayor-elect's choice for new director of water and sewer resources. Gower thanked Dave Brong for many years of teamwork and said he hopes to keep a positive and trusting relationship with his successor.

The authority's reorganizational meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Jan. 9, at City Hall.