For several years, my last column of the year for Municipal Information Network has been a 'thank you' to municipal employees.

This year, I want to pay special tribute to the 'unsung heroes' of civic life: the outside workers.

The garbage men. The snowplowers. The people who look after our parks. Employees who, no matter the weather, check on the homeless and the destitute, offering assistance. The ones who walk the streets in the summer with their pick-up sticks, tidying downtowns so people can enjoy the ambiance. And all of the other municipal employees who work outdoors in the hot summer and the cold winter.

Their work is not always fully appreciated by the public. City hall managers know their value. Taxpayers, perhaps less so.

They have hard jobs. Picking up steaming bags of garbage when it is 90 degrees in the burning sun is not pleasant. Nor is being out at 4am plowing the streets after another massive storm so that drivers can get to work or school safely. Or cleaning up a park late at night after a big local festival; that can be a long, arduous task.

Their work is really at the core of the services that local governments provide. It is something that the public expects, but rarely acknowledges.

Their effort is at the heart of the phrase the 'government closest to the people' that mayors and councillors proclaim and promise. Their work is important, their value to the community critical.

So "THANK YOU" to these women and men for what they do, efficiently and effectively.

In closing, to all the civic employees at this time of year, know that your hard work and dedication is important. There are usually more bricks than bouquets tossed at city hall staff, but hopefully during this Christmas season this big bunch of roses that I offer will mean something to you.

Have a wonderful holiday season. You have all earned it.