By Michael V. Hannigan
It was day No. 13,248 when the City of Athens held a retirement reception for City Administrator Pam Burton on Thursday. Or, as Mayor Jerry Don Vaught said it, 36 years, three months and six days.
Thats how long it’s been since Burton started work at the city as the deputy tax assessor/collector on August 28, 1978. She said she’s worked for seven mayors and 22 council members during her career.
Friends, family, dignitaries and employees past and present celebrated Burton’s long and distinguished career, with the reception taking the theme of the old “This is Your Life” television show.
Vaught played host as unexpected guests arrived to surprise Burton. Guests included the city manager who hired her 36 years ago, Cody Thompson; her lifelong friend Bobbett Elliott; former city manager Kevin Evans; former mayor Jerry King; former city councilman Bob Gould; Murchison Foundation Board President Don Wills; former First National Bank president Rusty Workman; and former mayor Randy Daniel.
Sending their remarks via letter were State Rep. Lance Gooden and Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples.
Also speaking was Trinity Valley Community College President Glendon Forgey, who announced that Bob and Peggy Gould, through the TVCC Foundation, created a two-year scholarship to the school in Burton’s name for a student seeking a degree in government.
Burton said, “To these employees. Without these employees I would not be here. We would not have the city we have today. I stand here and get credit, but those guys and ladies in the field, they’re what make a difference in this community. And I am honored that I was able to have you as my team for the last 19 years. Thank you all so much.”
“I am so blessed that I had all of you and that you gave me the opportunity to serve you all, and words cannot say how much I love all of ya’ll,” Burton said.
Burton’s last official day with the city is Dec. 31.
Jerry King and Bob Gould Speak
Guest Quotes
Kevin Evans: “When I tell people what city managers ought to be like, I always talk about you. I’ve done this 38 years and she’s been here 36. I’ve been in a few more towns than you have and I have to tell you something, I admire what you’ve done here and I admire your staying power.”
Jerry King: “As I have stated earlier, that’s the best decision I ever made as the mayor of Athens, was getting this lady over here to be involved as the city administrator.”
Don Wills: “You are probably the best city manager I have ever dealt with and I’m serious about that. … I cannot say enough good things about every(thing) that we did together. She was kind but firm, and I knew she had the City of Athens first in everything she did.”
State Rep. Lance Gooden (via letter): “You were one of the first people in Athens to reach out to me when I first ran for office and didn’t know many people here. You wanted to be sure I knew Athens needed to be a priority for me if I won and you taught me to love this city. I remember fondly our Athens Days in Austin and how smoothly problems were solved and missions were completed when my office reached out to you.”
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples (via certificate): “Your dedication to your work and to others is a model for all to follow. you have earned the respect of leaders across the Lone Star State.”
Mayor Jerry Don Vaught: “We will miss your vast knowledge of the city’s history and city business; we will miss your incredible legal knowledge that you have developed over the last 36 years; we will miss how you have successfully planned and coordinated events for the city to perfection; we will miss your professional writing abilities of letters, speeches, grants and legal documents; and we will miss your management skills that you have successfully exemplified over the last 19 years as City Manager.”
Accomplishments During Burton’s Tenure
– Opening of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (“Pam was instrumental and involved in the beginning of that,” said King).
– Finished the loop around Athens.
– Cleanup of the Curtis Mathis – Harvey Industries Superfund site (“Pam was always right there giving us advice, giving us leadership and giving us the guidance that we needed,” said King.).
– Fire Station on North Palestine.
– Creation of Ginger’s Park.
– Acquisition of the old Armory Building from the National Guard.
– Acquired City Hall building from First National Bank.
– Acquired grants for playground equipment at O.D. Baggett and Kiwanis parks.
– Acquired grants for upgrade and maintenance of Armory Building.
– Acquired federal grants for equipment for the Training Center/EOC.
Awards
– Woman of the Year – American Business Women’s Association (1985)
– Citizen of the Year (1993)
– Lifetime Membership Award, Athens Chamber of Commerce
Notable
– President Athens Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
– Chairman Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree
– Chairman PRCA Stampede Rodeo
– President Henderson County United Way
– Chairman Henderson County United Way Fundraising Drive
– President Athens Rotary Club
– Secretary/Treasurer Friends of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
– Chairman Athens Visitor Initiative Program
Michael, Great job putting this all together for us. It helps to have great material and all of these folks did a nice job of sharing their admiration for Pam. Really great event.