by Cherie Duvall

Humor was his trademark. But there?s no mistake about it, he was serious about his commitment to outstanding public service. In his passing on Dec. 5, Dearborn, Mich., Mayor Michael A. Guido left behind a legacy of being a beloved leader and a friend.

It?s no wonder Guido, recently referred to as ?the people?s mayor? in the Detroit News, is held in such high regard after succumbing to a 10-month battle with cancer. Besides being mayor for 21 years, the 52-year-old was also president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and used his leadership skills on the NLC Board of Directors and the NLC Advisory Council and guided NLC?s homeland security agenda after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks by leading a special Working Group on Homeland Security.

Just a week before NLC?s Congress of Cities in Reno, Nev., Guido had planned to speak at the opening general session. In place of his introduction to Guido, NLC Immediate Past President James Hunt, councilmember from Clarksburg, W.Va., reflected on Guido?s dedication to public service and ability to always put a smile on his face.

?He approached everything he did with great skill, style, charisma,? Hunt said. ?He also had a wonderful sense of humor. If he were here with us today, I know we would all be smiling and laughing as he talked with us. I also know he would want us to remember him today with a smile rather than a tear.?