One of the good ones is stepping down from Guilford County government.

As with any large organization or government body, not everyone working there is capable, dedicated, talented and respected among fellow workers; however, Guilford County Deputy Attorney Matthew Mason – known by everyone as Matt – was all of those things, and, now that he’s retiring, there are a whole lot of county leaders and employees who hate to see him go – not to mention those of us at the Rhino Times.

Mason has always been open and straightforward with the Rhino over the years.

He is a very interesting employee because, though his name rarely made it into print and he seldom got public acknowledgment for the strong work he was doing, his contributions to Guilford County government over the past two decades have been invaluable.

If Guilford County were a basketball team, Mason wouldn’t be in the starting five – he would be the sixth man who comes in fresh off the bench to fill in and do whatever in the world needed to be done.

 When the county’s Tax Department and Legal Department, years ago, needed to initiate a new foreclosure program for county property owners very delinquent on their tax bills, it was Mason they turned to to lead much of that administrative work.

When the county needed an interim attorney after the departure of former longtime County Attorney Mark Payne, Mason filled in until a new one was hired.

He has also worked, when needed, with child support cases, the Family Justice Center, and on too many special projects to count.

He has also worked tightly with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office when that office needed help.

In short, Mason always went where he was needed, did his job exceptionally well and did so quietly without drawing attention to himself – though, over the years, the Rhino Times did highlight his efforts from time to time.

Mason is very well liked and respected by county staff and he’s also an interesting guy who was once a very highly rated tennis player and who now enjoys riding his bike to pick up dinner for his family when the weather is inviting.

Recently, it got very emotional at a Guilford County Board of Commissioners meeting when, at the end, it was announced publicly that Mason was retiring.

 Multiple commissioners who had worked with him over the years praised him and recounted their interactions with him as did other county staff.

Mason was the acting county attorney when Guilford County hired Andrea Leslie-Fite as the new county attorney and, at the commissioners meeting when Mason’s retirement was announced, some of the highest praise came from her, who had known him the least amount of time but who had worked with him closely during her period of transition into that lead role.

Leslie-Fite addressed her remarks at the meeting to Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Skip Alston and the rest of the board.

“Mr. Chairman,” she began, “I would request a moment of personal privilege to extend my deepest appreciation to Chief Deputy County Attorney Matt Mason for nearly two decades of distinguished service to Guilford County.”

The relatively new head county attorney spoke about the longtime deputy attorney: “Attorney Mason began his career with the county in the Sheriff’s Office, where he served with distinction as the Sheriff’s Attorney. He later transitioned to the role of Chief Deputy County Attorney. Over the years, Attorney Mason has stepped into the role of Interim County Attorney on multiple occasions, including most recently before my arrival. In each instance, he has been a steady, trusted, and highly competent voice – providing sound legal counsel and unwavering support to his clients.”

She added, “Attorney Mason is not only an exceptional attorney and advocate, but also a person of great integrity, humility, and dedication to public service. He has approached his work with professionalism and a deep sense of responsibility to Guilford County Government.”

Leslie-Fite concluded by saying that, on behalf of the entire Legal Department and all of Mason’s clients, everyone offered their sincerest thanks and congratulations.

“His presence, leadership, and wisdom will be deeply missed, and we wish him every success in the next chapter,” she told the board.

Mason spoke last at the meeting.

“I am an extremely fortunate person,” he said, adding that that was largely because of the opportunities he’d had with the county and with the people he’d worked alongside of.

“Over the last 20 years,” he said, “what stands out is much less about the work but much more about the kindness and support I’ve felt.”

Mason said that had been the “common denominator” as he worked in various county positions, with different Boards of Commissioners and administrations over the years, and with those in the county’s law office.

“You name it, I have experienced kindness and support seemingly everywhere that I have turned,” he said.  “So, I want to acknowledge that and express thanks for that.”

He reiterated that, no matter what the position or the circumstances in which he was serving in Guilford County, everyone had always been congenial and supportive.

“The biggest thanks of all goes to my wife Michelle,” he said, adding that she’d been a staunch supporter of him in all aspects of his life.

While he spoke, some county employees were sobbing, and, once Mason finished, he got a standing ovation.

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