Sanders Sees Johnston Through Growth and Its Challenges

Johnston City Administrator Jim Sanders received a special recognition during Monday's City Council meeting.

Sanders recently marked 15 years of service in Johnston; the milestone was marked with kind words and a cake reception between the council's work session and regular meeting Monday.

"Jim has been through a lot of good times and a lot of challenging times with four mayors," Mayor Paula Dierenfeld said during the recognition. "I want to thank you for everything you have done over the past 15 years. We've seen a lot of changes and most have not been easy. You've given a lot of guidance and led us through those."

When Sanders began the job, Johnston had a population of just over 6,000 residents. Today, the population sits at more than 17,000.

Surrounded by his wife, Kathy, and daughters, Mackenzie and Madison, Sanders said the job has been a joy.

"It's been a thrill to have a community like Johnston to work with," he said, after adding he's not a fan of people talking about him. "

Former mayors Bob O'Hollearn and Brian Laurenzo also joined in thanking Sanders for his service.

O'Hollearn recalled being on the City Council while hiring for the position of city administrator.

"We interviewed all the candidates, as a result it was clear there was only one choice, Jim Sanders," he said.

"When I was mayor we went through Y2K, that didn't happen," O'Hollearn recalled. "We were going through all these plans, and this gentleman showed his stripes right then and there. This is an example of leadership without question."

Laurenzo added that Sanders' temperament has always been a strong point.

"It's your temperament that has always allowed the discussion to stay civil, for all sides to be heard, and for consensus to be found," he said. "There have been some really tough issues along the way, but cooler heads have always prevailed because of you."