By Philip Haldiman

Independent Newsmedia

Carlo Leone dedicated two decades of his life as a Peoria City Councilman, a staunch supporter of his constituents living in the Pine District.

Carlo Leone

Mr. Leone tendered his resignation due to health issues, April 16.

He was too ill to attend his last council meeting and Mayor Cathy Carlat made the announcemen of his retirement, reading from a statement written by Mr. Leone, “It is out of the greatest respect for my constituents and my unwavering support for the city that I have chosen to step aside. This job is too important to give anything less than 100% and unfortunately, I am no longer able to give that at this time.”

Mr. Leone’s resignation prompted responses of praise and well wishes from his fellow council members and Peoria residents.

Michael Finn

“Thank you for your service to your constituents. I think you served them with a tenacity that only Carlo Leone could display. The message he sent, I thought, was professional and filled with class. To put your constituents ahead of yourself and say, ‘It is time for me to go, I don’t feel like I am serving you the way I should — I think that shows an incredible amount of class. Thank you for your service.”

Bridget Binsbacher

“Dedication and service for 20 years — He was always working hard to put his citizens first. I met Carlo on the concourse of the Peoria Sports Complex around 10 years ago or so. He and his wife. And I learned from him the importance of volunteers. We have to appreciate our volunteers and how important they are to our city. It was an interesting turn of events that I ended up on the council with Carlo. Truly from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your service.

Jon Edwards

“He served his district with distinction. He always had the best interest of his residents at heart. You will be missed.”

Vicki Hunt

“Carlo was here before I came and I’ve been here 16 years.  He helped me form my concept of public service. So many times we went to conferences, saw other cities and what they were doing. And then we brought that information and inspiration back to our city. I respected the type of council member he was and how he represented his district.

More praise from social media

Thank you for your service, Carlo. — Gina Roberts

Thank you, sir!! — Cheryl Dunn

Thank you for everything that you have done for the city and especially the Pine District. Your boxer drive and tenacity for your constituents was second to none. Peace, Carlo. You did us well. May God’s caring hands be your strength. — Mike Rogers

Thank you Councilmember Leone for all the great work you did and for being such a nice person. — Dorothy D Castro Gabbard

It was a good run, Carlo. No one should ever question your devotion to service. — Steve Poe

I don’t think I have ever met a politician with more sincere concern and drive for their constituents. Councilmember Leone was dedicated, present, and passionate. Thank you for your service. Our prayers are with you now. — Heather Smart Johnson

He was the best! Very high profile. Always available to listen and discuss issues. And he loved our city. Thank you for you service! — Pamela Steber

Thank you for everything! You truly will be missed. Be well and happy. — Sue Garland

Thank you for your service. We will miss you! — Stella Sheaves

He leaves big shoes to fill. Whenever I had a concern, it was not uncommon to get a knock on my door instead of an email reply. Councilman Leone has stood in my living room and back yard to hear and see my concerns and he always did what he promised. How rare these days. Thank you, sir. You will be missed. — Kristi Garrison 🙏🏻👏🏻

Thank you for your service, dedication to the Pine district, and for helping us out with a few issues we had. You’ll be missed, sir! — Kevin Parks

What a gem. I had the pleasure of working with him when I was in Corporate Banking for Wells Fargo some years back. He truely loved his community and is an example of what our leaders should be. Thank you sir. — Deb Seay Marshall

Thank you for all the work you did . You will be missed. — Karen Paswinski

Thank you for all you did for Peoria. — Debbie Nelson

Thank you for your service and time. — Amy Rockey Parks

You will be missed! Thank you for the heart and dedication to our community. — Victoria Tafoya Sanchez ❤

Thank you Carlo Leone! You have served us well and we truly appreciate all you have done for us in the Pine District! I certainly hope and pray that whatever you are going through is resolved and you have a full recovery! — Tom Tyo

He was always the go-to guy even though my primary residence is not in his district, he always “got ‘er done!” — Joe Gannuscio

Thank you for your dedication Carlo. — Tony VanGoethem

Thank you for your service! — Sally Yazziebegay

You will be missed Carlo. You have provided so much to the city of Peoria and your district. I hope your health improves. — Pamela Potter

Thank you Carlo Leone, for your services. — Theresa Ann Ivey-Plante

A true pillar of Peoria! — Rick Picard

Thank you for your time and service sir. — Bertha Sotelo

You were so nice to me when I met you. Spent more than an hour talking to me. They don’t make them like you anymore. — Dave Phillips

You’ll be missed Carlo Leone. — Mike Tellef

Philip Haldiman can be reached at 623-876-3697 or phaldiman@newszap.com. Follow him on Twitter @philiphaldiman.