In Lyon County, Hillyard is more than a person's name

The special session of the Legislature demonstrated what elected officials can accomplish when they put aside political posturing and partisanship and focus on what's best for the people they were elected to serve.

Coincidentally, last week Lyon County honored a man who made such an impression doing the same thing as an elected official that they named a building after him.

The Silver Springs Community Center became, officially, Hillyard Hall to honor former Lyon County Commissioner Chet Hillyard.

The things he accomplished (including playing an instrumental role in the construction of the building that now bears his name), though great in number during his 16 years on the Lyon County Board of Commissioners, were impressive. But it was his dedicated service that is perhaps most remarkable and has drawn so much respect that the vote to rename the building was unanimous.

Hillyard, who is now battling cancer, will leave a legacy that would have been secure even if his name were not attached to a building. He took seriously the trust placed in him by voters, and we hope others will take note of his example.

We congratulate him for the honor and thank him for his years of humble service.

• This editorial represents the view of the Nevada Appeal Editorial Board.