Great Falls Tribune

 

January 26, 2009

 

Former city manager John Lawton not as retired as some may think

He hasn't put his feet up entirely and he hasn't moved to Portland, Ore., either.

That's the word from John Lawton, who was the longest-serving city manager in Montana when he retired from the post in Great Falls 11 months ago.

Since last fall, Lawton has worked about half-time for Great Falls-based D.A. Davidson & Co., offering expertise in the increasingly complex area of public financing, according to Jacquie Burchard, spokeswoman for the company.

"I really enjoy it," Lawton said Friday.

Lawton spent nearly 18 years as city manager of Great Falls during a period of general financial and political stability.

The city's ventures into the electric power business sparked controversy during his last few years as manager. Otherwise, his tenure mostly was a smooth one, notwithstanding dog and cat issues, parking downtown or fees to play golf. Colleagues in Montana city government, and people in Great Falls, gave him a warm sendoff last winter.

"I'm retired from the city, but I'm not retired," Lawton said. He works for Davidson, does consulting and has other interests he keeps track of. For fun, Lawton visits family in Portland and California, rides his motorcycle in fair weather and skis during the cool months.

"I control my own schedule, and I enjoy being a private person," Lawton said.

He added that he doesn't have any regrets about retiring when he did, noting his time in Great Falls was about three times the average for an American city manager.

But, he added, "I miss it very much."

Don't expect Lawton to offer a running commentary about current city issues. He figures that's up to the people steering the city ship these days.

"I pretty much stay away from city politics," he said.