Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Cale honors Benton on his retirement

After 27 years as mayor and more than six decades in public service, Cale Mayor Davis Benton said its simply time for him to retire. Members of the Cale community and surrounding area turned out at the annual Cale Christmas party to honor Benton earlier this month.

Benton said his own roots in Cale are deep. He recalled starting school at Cale and said he could remember that I was pretty bad about humming tunes. The teacher once invited him to sing what he was humming in front of the class, effectively putting an end to the habit.

When Benton finished school, he joined the Navy and then started work for the National Weather Service. When he retired, he and his wife moved to Cale where they have been active in the community.

In about three more weeks, Ill be giving up this position as mayor, Benton told those gathered.

Benton said the city of Cale has achieved some great feats for a town of its size. He cited the citys playground and ball court.

City councilman Wayne Barham presented Benton with a plaque commemorating his years of service and cited some of Bentons accomplishments while in office.

Hes responsible for the building were in here tonight, Barham said.

After the meeting, Benton said it was simply time to hang it up. He said he has no major plans, but said he would spend some time on his lake.

Ill play with my dogs, he said, then added with a laugh, And Ill go do Wal-Mart.

Benton has served his terms - as do all mayors of Cale - without pay.

I didnt become mayor to make money, he said.

The fact that the city has had volunteer mayors and council members means there is some money in the limited budget for other things - a fact Benton said is vital to the city.

Looking back on the time hes spent working for the city, Benton said he doesnt regret the time spent.

Its been an experience, he said. And Id do it again.