County honors two employees at commission meeting

BRADENTON - Visitors to the Central Library may be more focused on the books when they walk in, but behind the scenes there's a man at work who gets the job done.

Vyacheslav "Wesley" Pyontyk came to the U.S. in the late 1990s.

Vyacheslav "Wesley" Pyontyk, a senior building trades worker ion the Property Management Department, was honored as the Employee of the Month on Tuesday by the County Commission for his hard work.

"Wesley is the true American success story," said his boss, David Thompson. "Wesley simply excels in customer service."

He came to the U.S. in the early 1990s from Ukraine and overcame his lack of English proficiency, according to the documents filed in the award.

"I really look forward to many more years working with him," Thompson said. "We're proud to have him on our team."

Pyontyk shared a few words in his native language, then told the commissioners, "Thank you for choosing me."

Jim Staples, the director of the Property Management Department, was next to receive honors.

He was recognized for 33 years of service to the county on Tuesday, and received a mounted clock.

Jim Staples is retiring from the county's Property Management Department after 33 years of service.

Don't worry, County Administrator Ed Hunzeker said to Staples, it's not an alarm clock.

He started back in 1976 and worked in several jobs. Three years ago, Staples was asked to take over the department and brought together the people and functions.

"He's done a fine job," Hunzeker said.

Staples received two standing ovations for his service.

"It's been a long 33 years sometimes, but sometimes I think back and it's happened so quickly," he said.

"I never thought that I'd ever be the director of a department. I'm going to miss you all very much."

His major project was 17^th Street, said Commission Chairman Gwendolyn Brown. He went with her to talk with citizens about what was happening, she said.

"I want to publicly thank you for what you've done," Brown said. "I am very sad that you are leaving us."

Commissioner Carol Whitmore commended Staples for his efforts, too.

"You deserve your retirement," she said.