From The Mayor's Desk: Community Volunteers

From Mayor Paula Dierenfeld:

Every month, dozens of Johnston residents volunteer their time to make Johnston a great place to live and work.  We owe much to our neighbors, friends and, in some cases, family members who spend many hours of their free time serving on our city boards and commissions.  They do it, not for the money, but because they care so much about our community.  Their contributions make a significant difference in our lives and we cannot thank them enough for their service.

One of those very special people is Dick Robertson.  After 19 years of serving on the Johnston Planning and Zoning Commission, Dick said farewell to his fellow Commissioners, City staff and Council this past week.  To know Dick is to love him.  He has lived in Johnston for a very long time and will always call Johnston “home.”  He grins from ear to ear every time someone comments on the growth we have experienced and the progress we have made during his tenure on the Commission. 

Dick didn’t just serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission, he took the job very seriously and did it well.  Of the 19 years he was on the Commission, Dick served 12 years as chair.  He attended a total of 355 Commission meetings and presided over 222 of them.  Dick missed only 5 meetings during his 12-year tenure as chair.

When Dick started on the Commission in 1994, the population of Johnston was 6,100.  The population is now estimated to be over 18,700.   Dick is moving but his impact on our community will be felt for many years to come.  Dick worked hard and he has earned his retirement.  Dick has also earned our respect for the great job he did to make Johnston the best place it can be to work, live and raise a family. 

Thank you, Dick Robertson.  We all wish you the best in your retirement!