During February 21, 2024 Board of Supervisors' Public Meeting, Township Manager Dean E. Bastianini announced his official retirement and resignation of his long serving post as Township Manager. His retirement date is set for July 5, 2024 and the Board of Supervisors will begin their search to find his replacement. After the announcement, Manager Bastianini gave a heart-felt speech that left tears in many eyes:
"There aren’t too many new things an old manager can say upon his retirement except that a career goes fast; Really, fast.
42 years, 3 months and 20 days ago I came to work in Richland for the first time. Looking back, it went by in the blink of an eye. A happy blink of an eye!!!
The truth is everything comes and goes. Nothing is meant to last forever. In a way, that makes time so precious.
When I was in college, back in the early 70’s, my friends and I were political science majors. We liked to say: “It’s a fresh wind that blows against the empire.” That meant we were going to be different and better than the previous generation. I believe that’s still true. There must be an end for there to be a new beginning. The next generation of leaders needs to have a chance to make things better and improve on what we have done. It is inevitable.
So, although this decision is bitter-sweet for me, I am excited about the prospects for the future, both my own and Richland Township’s.
My advice to the Board members is to be brave. Although you are at a precipice which appears to divide the past from the future, don’t be afraid to take a leap. The gap between the familiarity of where we are standing now and the unknown on the other side isn’t as big as you think. Trust me. It will be alright.
So, try to think about it this way: I am really giving you a present, a wonderful opportunity for a new beginning full of energy and opportunity. What’s next all comes down to you. You are good people with good judgement. Please trust the consultants you have selected to assist you. I am 100% confident that not only will you make everything right, but you will also make it better. I trust you to take care of my Township."
Township Manager Dean Bastianini (right) and his wife of 48 years, Barbara Bastianini (left) in the Community Barn, which Manager Bastianini brought into the community in 1993.