City officials honor Joe Thomas

Staff Writer

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For a man usually known for his stoicism, Joe Thomas was all smiles and a few tears Wednesday.

The 64-year-old retired city manager and longtime devoted public servant was honored for his vast career with the city at a “come and go” celebration at Clovis City Hall and at a formal recognition ceremony at the Norman & Vi Petty Rock & Roll Museum.

The Public Works department kicked off the farewell speeches and the laughter when they presented him with a street sign reading “Slow Senior Crossing” with an image of a pedestrian with a cane.

“The years I spent in public works was probably 10, 12 of the best years I ever had,” Thomas said. “I appreciate every one of you and the job you've done and the job you'll continue to do. I encourage you to keep supporting the city of Clovis — this is the finest city in the state of New Mexico.”

Although he is known most recently for 11 years spent in the city manager's office, Thomas began his work with the city when he was hired in law enforcement in 1972. He worked his way up to the position of assistant chief of police, then became the public works director and finally moved into the city manager job in 2004.

After 43 years of work, Thomas spent his first day as a retiree Monday. But the next morning his presence at the Water Policy Advisory Board meeting was noted and joked about by committee members.

Thomas said in his time as city manager, the challenges his team worked to overcome will be the most memorable.

“I guess, and it may sound a little odd, but the favorite memories were being able to deal with the things like (Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission) situation and the tornado and things like that, and have a successful outcome,” Thomas said. “There were a lot of issues and problems we had to deal with, but with the support of the staff and the city employees it made it easy.”

And he said those supporters will be what he misses the most.

“The people, the employees, the dedication of the city workers is just unbelievable,” Thomas said. “It will be something that will be hard to deal with.”

City staff and officials had plenty to say about Thomas as the assembly room quickly became packed with visitors wanting to give their congratulations.

Legislative and Community Development Director Claire Burroughes said what stands out most about Thomas is his character.

“Ten years is a long time to work together — we have been through an incredible amount,” Burroughes said. “It's been a privilege to work with him — for him — and we are going to miss him.”

“When I think of Joe I think of something solid — like a rock,” said City Commissioner Robert Sandoval. “Something that keeps everything together very quietly, but gets everything that needs to be done…done the right way. And somebody that if he gives you his word, you can bank on it.”

Former city manager Rodger Bennett sent a congratulations letter to Thomas, noting his common sense and perseverance “even when both money and political will were in short supply.”

“There are many good things in Clovis that have your fingerprints all over them,” Bennett wrote. “I cannot even begin to envision the impact you’ve had on the staff of the City (sic). Many have grown in their careers because of your excellent management skills. You have touched many lives. We all owe you a large debt of thanks for caring so much about us.”

At the formal recognition ceremony at the museum, city staff, officials, and local organizations spoke about Thomas’ service to the city and presented him with retirement gifts, including a flag flown over the city.

Mayor David Lansford proclaimed April 16, 2015 as Joe Thomas Day in the City of Clovis.

“I believe that this retirement, this life spent serving the people of Clovis, is the most remarkable life of public service that we have witnessed in this community in our lifetimes,” Lansford said. “I know of no other public servant...that has served for almost 44 years — and we got to be a part of it.”

“Thank you,” Thomas said. “I was fortunate enough that everyone that came on board shared my dedication, and because of that we have been very successful. There are some things that I can look back on in the community and be very proud of...There’s not been a day in the last 40 plus years that I haven’t acted on what I thought was the best interest of the community and the citizens of the community.

“With that I ask you to give the same support to my successor that you’ve given to me,” Thomas said of new city manager Larry Fry. “It is a big job, and it’s an awesome responsibility, and I think we’ve got the person in place to do it.”

Thomas said his message to the community is to find strength in unity.

“Continue to be as strong as the community has always been — with all of the potential adversities that have come up, citizens have always pulled together and overcome the obstacles,” Thomas said. “There has been some division as of late, and I would hope that everyone can put that aside and get moving forward in a unified direction that's going to be beneficial to everyone.”

Although he will no longer enjoy the view from his office at city hall, Thomas won't be out of touch.

“This is home to me,” Thomas said. “We have been here for the last 43 years, and I can't imagine going anywhere else — it's the greatest people in the world.”