When Howard Chambers first became Lakewood’s chief executive, Happy Days was the most popular show on television. John Chancellor and David Brinkley were anchoring the NBC Nightly News and Jimmy Carter was seven months away from the presidency. Now, after 41 years, Chambers has decided to retire.
Chambers actually made that call several years ago. He announced his decision to step down in 2010 but agreed to stay on two more years. Then two years turned into five. Obviously, the guy loves Lakewood. And Lakewood loves him.
“It’s been comforting to lots of residents, including me, to have his experienced hand here all these years as a bridge from our city’s past to our present, helping our city continue to be a great place to call home,” said Mayor Diane DuBois.
The city has already tapped a replacement. Santa Fe City Manager Thaddeus McCormack is slated to take over in September. Assistant City Manager Carol Flynn-Jacoby will take over as acting city manager until then.
Even in his departure, Chambers proves to be a calming presence.
“I think everything will be fine,” he said of the transition, “and nobody will remember me a month from now.”
Somehow we doubt that.