A grateful group of Garland citizens and city officials recently got together at Lakewood Brewery to thank former Mayor Lori Dodson for her service to the city. In addition to serving six years on the Plan Commission and six years on City Council, she then took on the responsibility as mayor for a one-year term following the resignation of Mayor Douglas Athas.
Among the attendees were Garland’s City Manager Bryan Bradford, Mayor Scott LeMay and several current and former City Council Members. Also in attendance were Garland ISD Board of Trustees Member Linda Griffin and David Riggs, Garland Fire Department retiree and former president of Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 1293.
LeMay addressed the crowd to express both his and the citizens’ appreciation.
“I’ve said it already, but the citizens of Garland owe Lori a huge debt of gratitude for her service,” he said.
Riggs expressed the same sentiment.
“We really want to express our appreciation for over 12 years of service to the citizens of Garland,” he said.
Riggs added that he understood the personal sacrifices that Dodson’s community service has required and he thanked everyone who came to recognize her contributions.
Riggs and LeMay recognized retired Garland Police Lieutenant and current Guns & Hoses of North Texas Director Dave Swavey, who took on the grilling responsibilities for the evening.
Garland’s city manager praised Dodson’s efforts.
I know it sounds cliché, but she really was the right person at the right time,” Bradford said. “She accomplished so much in 12 months. To be able to go from where we were to be able to build consensus around the bond program was no small feat.”
Although Dodson’s one-year term as mayor came at an unsure and chaotic time, she said that the tone changed quickly.
“It shifted from really bad to everybody working together immediately and I was amazed by that…We got so much done in one year just because we focused on business,” she said.