the City
Patrick Lawton
ADMINISTRATOR By Candice Baxter, Photography by Alex Ginsburg Photographics
P
atrick Lawton’s office in City Hall overlooks the glittering lake of the municipal complex. Along his wall of book-filled shelves are decades of family photos, awards and shovels from the groundbreakings of the Germantown Community Library and Germantown Athletic Club addition, some of his proudest achievements in 32 years as City Administrator. He can look out the window and see the fruits of his labor, but the job reaches in many unseen directions. “The mayor is elected by the people, He and the alderman vote on policy.” Lawton says, explaining his role as the cog in the democratically-elected wheel. “I am appointed by the mayor. So my job as City Administrator is to gather information from the different departments, and when policy is adopted, put it into motion.” Lawton says this is the job he’s always wanted, and he got it at 32 years old. “Really, I’m in the talent business.” He attributes his longevity to hiring people for the right fit and sees the mutual respect that grows when departments work together. From the drive-through vaccine site, down 22 feet into a stormwater drain and up in the sky considering placement of an elevated water tower, a day in the life of Patrick Lawton is anything but a typical day behind a desk.
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Germantown Magazine
