Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat, right, reads a proclamation from the city for retiring City Manager Carl Swenson at a recent city council meeting. Mr. Swenson spent 35 years working in government roles. /Independent Newsmedia/Philip Haldiman
By Philip Haldiman | Independent Newsmedia
Outgoing City Manager Carl Swenson received a standing ovation at his final City Council meeting on June 13.
After accepting a proclamation from the city and a brick that will be installed in the Decades Walk at Centennial Park Plaza, Mr. Swenson, visibly moved, said he was “pretty speechless.”
But he found his voice to thank the staff, mayor and council for ushering in the culmination of his career.
“It has been the honor of my professional life to serve Peoria,” he said. “This is a great council that works well together and supports the staff. In the council-manager form of government, no professional staff and employees exemplify that form of government more than Peoria, and this includes the leadership of the mayor and council. It has been a real honor.”
