Pete Kotsiopulos

By MIKE KONZ
Hub Managing Editor

KEARNEY - For almost eight years, conventiongoers in Kearney have been hearing Pete Kotsiopulos give his "partnerships" speech.

It's a rundown of some of the things that have happened here because Kearneyites are willing to lower their barriers, focus on the goal and give others credit for accomplishments.

It's a short speech, ranging from five minutes to 15 minutes, depending on the audience and whether there's another appointment on Kotsiopulos' calendar. His planner is dotted with appearances, along with ribbon cuttings, city hall meetings, and - at random points in the day - a few minutes to tend to his Liberty Cleaners and Varsity Formal Wear.

"The cracks in between there, that's what I devote to business," Kotsiopulos said.

For the time he has given to the community as member of the Kearney City Council and of the Ne-braska State College Board of Trustees, Kotsiopulos is the recipient of the 2002 Kearney Hub Freedom Award in the Business Category.

Marge Potter, who nominated Kotsiopulos, noted his interest in schools. Kotsiopulos makes frequent appearances in Kearney classrooms, and has spoken at numerous Drug Awareness Resistance Education graduation ceremonies for middle school students.

"There are so many ways he gives of his time, always keeping an upbeat philosophy for the city of Kearney," Potter wrote. "Even though he has a business to run, he always has time to support the needs of the area."

Former Kearney Mayor Ron Larsen said there are many challenges in leading a community such as Kearney, and one of the biggest is freeing the time to do it.

"IT'S THE demand on your time, especially the greetings for the community," Larsen said. "Pete has done so much for the community. Everybody should be really appreciative that he's never hesitated to give his time."

Kotsiopulos said that when he was 20, someone from Minnesota advised: "Just plan for half a day; the other half takes care of itself."

He said that turned out to be good advice, just like the Greek phrase that guided his grandfather, Peter Kotsiopulos, who founded Liberty Cleaners in 1918: "Every little bean fills the bag."

Filling the bag one bean at a time is a good approach for any volunteer, Kotsiopulos said, because every contribution makes a difference.

"SOMETIMES, society has weird ways of measuring our gifts," he said. "Some things require the people who can give money, but everyone has some talents, whether it's working with Boy Scouts or church groups, etc."

Kotsiopulos was elected to the council 12 years ago, and he has been Kearney's mayor for eight years. He will preside over his final council meeting on Nov. 26.

He said that 12 years ago he was ready to serve at least four years on the council and figured he might even try for a second term. His plans changed six years ago when Allen Johnson arrived as Kearney's new city manager.

"I WASN'T going to seek a third term, but I really enjoy working with Allen Johnson, so I ran for an-other term. He's not trying to build a resume, he's just trying to be a good citizen and help the commu-nity," Kotsiopulos said.

After he is no longer on the council, Kotsiopulos said he hopes to remain active with municipal affairs, such as park issues and the Cherry Avenue bypass.

He said working with people has been the most enjoyable part of serving on the council, and that he has learned a lot. "It's certainly been another learning experience for me. This is a great place to be a part of."

e-mail to:

mike.konz@kearneyhub.com