Reprint from the Progress Times - June 8, 2007
©Progress Times 2007 - All Rights Reserved

Joe Garza Resigns As Palmhurst City Manager

In August 2004, retired Border Patrol Chief Joe Garza was doing a little light consulting work on homeland security. He was approached by Palmhurst Mayor Ramiro Rodriguez Jr. and was asked to sit on a committee to form a police department in the fledgling community. Now, a little over two years later, Garza is stepping down as Palmhurst City Manager.

"I never intended to be here this long," said Garza. "I simply attended the meetings and worked with the committee to help organize the police department."

During the process of setting up the police department, the city manager at the time, Gary Toothaker, retired. Mayor Rodriguez once again called on the man he believed was the right one for the job. Garza was hired in December 2004.

Over the last two years, Palmhurst, due in large part to Garza, has accomplished much. The small community has lured large chains such as Wal-Mart and Whataburger to the city. They have developed a police department, modernized the city's administration building, paved streets and county roads and built a 12 inch water line which makes the area that much more lucrative for businesses looking for a home.

"If you have no water you have no sewer," said Garza. "One of the biggest impediments was that when developers came in there was no water for fire protection. We established good communication with Sharyland Water Supply and Urban County helped us with the $200,000 to build the water line. It didn't cost the city a penny and it will benefit the community forever."

Even in retrospect though, Garza is quick to downplay his involvement.

"I was just trying to help the Mayor accomplish his goals and vision," said Garza.

Mayor Rodriguez isn't so modest on Garza's behalf.

"This man has brought so much because of his expertise. It's going to be a very difficult task to fill this man's shoes," said Rodriguez. "When we came in we were very fortunate to have him. We didn't have a personnel policy, we do now. We've gotten streets paved, built a dais at city hall and been computerized. He's been instrumental in our crime prevention efforts and the set up of our municipal court."

Although the prospect of staying on is tempting for Garza. He says it is time for him to go.

"I told the mayor with regret, he's a good friend and honest man and the epitome of a public servant," said Garza. "I feel like I'm running out on an old friend but there comes a time when a man needs to realize that it’s time to step down and let someone step in to take things to the next level. My wife is now retired from teaching and I'm going to take a vacation and rest for a while."

Now, the task of finding a replacement falls on the Mayor.

"The municipal judge and I are going to be looking for a city manager. I'm responsible for the operations of this city and anything that happens is going to come down in my name," said Rodriguez. "With Joe, I had complete confidence and I want that to continue so the process of finding a replacement is going to be a slow and thoughtful one."

Rodriguez says he plans on taking over the day to day duties of the city manager for the next two months while a search is conducted. However, he still holds out a slim hope that Garza may reconsider.

"My dream would be to hold his position for a couple months in case he wants to come back," said Rodriguez. "I want him to stay and I've begged him to stay. I have a fantastic working relationship with him but I respect what he wants and I can't force him to stay. But I would certainly love for him to come back in a month or two and I would give him a well deserved raise."

According to Garza, beyond all the tangible accomplishments of the city during his tenure as city manager, the most important has been one of attitude and ethics.

"I believe that you have to believe in something to be somebody. I stand for honesty and integrity and this is where the Mayor has stood by me," said Garza. "He gave me the freedom to operate free of politics. One of the things I advised him was when we built the police department was to do things first class and do things the right way; hire good honest people. I think we have accomplished that. I think this little community has a reputation of being an honest straight shooting community full of integrity."

For Joe Garza, that, above all else, is what he is willing to admit he's proud of.