Blythe City Manager Nelson to Retire April 30
Les Nelson, who has guided the City of Blythe as its top staffer for 16 years, has decided to retire at the end of April.
Nelson, who was talked out of retiring a couple of years ago, says he's leaving to spend more time with his wife, and because 16 years is, well, a long time to be doing any one thing.
"The city manager's position is a tough one, it's a real grind," says Fourth District Supervisor Roy Wilson. "But Les should feel justifiably proud for having steered the Blythe ship of state through both turbulent and peaceful waters.
"Under his direction the City has accomplished many goals which might have seemed impossible before he took over the helm at city hall."
Among the veteran city manager's accomplishments: the water production facility, the water treatment facility, underground gas plume cleanup, getting water and sewer out to the college site, beautification of downtown Blythe, helping to bring the Blythe Energy project into town, with its resulting economic development stimulus, and his ongoing fight to keep Palo Verde Hospital open.
Mayor Robert Crain says nurturing the cooperation between the City and the County has been a key facet of Nelson's tenure.
"The one thing that we'll sure miss is his leadership that I've had an opportunity to work with him," says Crain. "He's a problem-solver. He doesn't care who comes up with the solution: he just gets problems solved.
"These are going to be some big shoes to fill, without a doubt. And Superman is not around any more."