“Whereas, Louis J. Leonatti is being honored by the City of Mexico, Missouri . . .”
So begins the commendation awarded to Lou Leonatti, at Mexico’s March city council meeting, …
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![Retiring Mexico city attorney Lou Leonatti receives a proclamation from Mexico councilwoman Vicki Briggs during the March board meeting. Leonatti was recognized at the March 28 Mexico City Council meeting. His official retirement was on March 31. [Submitted Photo]](https://epsilon.creativecirclecdn.com/mexicoledger/original/20220422-102756-Leonatti-Briggs%20Proclomation%20IMG_2512.JPG)
“Whereas, Louis J. Leonatti is being honored by the City of Mexico, Missouri . . .”
So begins the commendation awarded to Lou Leonatti, at Mexico’s March city council meeting, for his 45 years of service as city attorney.
In addition to talking about Leonatti’s many years in the role, some details of his law career and his contribution to the community in other ways, like serving as an ordained deacon for Saint Brendan’s, the commendation characterized his contribution as, “marked by exemplary dedication to the best interest of our community . . . the very highest caliber of work ethic and his service to the City of Mexico has been invaluable.”
“Working in a community and representing the community has its highs and lows,” Leonatti said when asked to reflect on his years as attorney.
Among the low points? No surprise there.
“The sale of the AP Green Company was a definite low,” he said. “I vividly remember flying to Pittsburgh with the city manager to make a presentation to Harbison Walker. We offered to build them a new world headquarters if they would stay in Mexico. I asked Dan Parrott how we would finance it. He firmly said, ‘If they accept the offer, we will get it done.’ We put our heart and soul into it, but the offer was not accepted. A high was defending the city in a lawsuit which alleged employment discrimination. The jury found in favor of the city.”
When asked about what he might tell his younger self if he could go back in time, Leonatti said, “When you are a young lawyer, you think that you can conquer the world. You quickly learn that you are like a basketball coach, you are only as good as your talent. In the case of a lawyer, you are only as good as your client. Sit down with them, learn the whole story both the good and the bad. Go with them to where they were hurt, have them describe the collision or an incident. Put yourself in their shoes. Be honest with them and keep them informed. Earn their trust!”
Leonatti’s wife, Alice, said even though he is “retired,” he has been working to get his new office space set up on the Jefferson Building, where he will do some part-time mediation work, but “golf is definitely on his schedule once it warms up a little more.”
As the commendation wrapped up, Mayor Chris Miller proclaimed March 28, 2022, as a day to honor Leonatti, and called upon all citizens to express their thanks.
Thank you, indeed, sir.
