The City of Early held a retirement reception for long-time City Administrator Ken Thomas on Friday afternoon.
Thomas served over 27 years as the city’s administrator and before that had served three terms as city councilman, which he contributes to his longevity in the office, having learned both sides of city government.Early Mayor Robert Mangrum stated that Thomas’ tenure was rare and that the city will miss him.
“It’s not very often we have someone work in one place, even more rare these days that someone would stay a tenure of anytime past 4-5 years,” said Mayor Mangrum. “To come to 27+ years is really a phenomenal thing. What can we say other than we’ll miss seeing you around here.”
Brownwood City Manager Bobby Rountree spoke of growing up with Thomas in Goldthwaite where they both graduated high school. He also lauded Thomas for his tenure as city managers stay in a city 4-5 years on average, according to Rountree.
“It speaks well for Ken, that he was able to do the job and deal with the people he dealt with – both citizens and elected officials. Ken, because of his tenure, was able to work with all the different elected officials and explain how things are done and that’s the mark of a good city manager,” said Rountree. “The realm of city managers is sorry to lose him; he is a great example for city managers across the state.”
Thomas was presented a special gift of a clock with an eagle which was engraved with, “A city is not gauged by its length and width but by the broadness of its vision and the height of its dreams.”
Thomas thanked city officials and stated that it is unique to think of the things that have occurred over the past 27 years, but that it is unique to see that the City of Early has not had tremendous growth but has experienced steady growth. He also recounted the friendships and working relationships with different agency officials that helped to make projects happen over the years. Thomas named the Highway 84/183 Texas Department of Transportation widening to be the hardest project during his tenure.
He noted that his time serving with the city was a good experience.
“It’s been a good ride. I can look back and name a lot of employees that helped make that possible, and say that I wouldn’t have survived it without them,” said Thomas. “It’s been a good experience with good council members, and without a good council and a good mayor a city wouldn’t survive.”
Rountree stated, “It is a nice thing when a city manager decides to retire and leave office when he wants to leave rather than being told it’s time.”
Thomas may not be able to be replaced, according to city officials; however, his position will be filled by newly hired City Administrator Tony Aaron.
Pictured above is Mayor Mangrum presenting Thomas with his retirement gift.
Pictured below are Thomas and his wife Mary.
