I first met Austin City Administrator Pat McGarvey 10 years ago. I don't recall the exact circumstances, but I recall leaving the encounter acknowledging Pat was one guy I didn't care to tick off.

When Pat leaves his post on April 30, some in Austin will say good riddance and many will be sad to see the 11-year veteran leave. Such is the life of a city administrator. Pat occupied a position that offers few gray areas. Most people see his accomplishments as either black or white.

Personally, I'll miss Pat. Oh sure, everyone can be replaced, but it will be difficult to replace a man who did his job so well.

Sure, we've had our differences. Pat has called me on more than one occasion with his Irish blood boiling over. We always worked things out and, as others have said, Pat never has been one to dwell on what has happened in the past.

A few years ago, an individual that has worked closely with Pat provided this description of the city administrator: "He's the consummate professional. He gets the best deal he can for his employer."

Pat is well-deserving of that sort of praise. He always looked out for the best interests of the city of Austin, no matter how difficult the battle, or how murky the waters.

I've worked closely with Pat for many years, as the newspaper has tried to assist him with building public support for economic development projects. His legacy is easy to see when taking a stroll around Austin. The Town Center building, the new library, the Mill Pond trail, the new Packer Arena and the list goes on. All built without large tax increases being put on area residents.

Typical of Pat, he's not leaving quietly. He's spent countless hours the past few weeks trying to piece together one last deal to bring more economic development to Austin. It's a deal he's been working on seemingly since he arrived. While he won't admit it, the fact it hasn't gotten done bothers him.

He acknowledges his hot Irish blood has been boiling because of what he feels is a failure by some city leaders and some county leaders to grasp the opportunity that exists.

The reported opportunity will bring jobs and families to Austin, meaning more tax dollars for the city and for the county, more dollars going to the schools and more money being spent at grocery stores and other businesses. The bottom line is up front investments made by the city and county will be returned to them and to others many times over.

Speaking frankly as usual, Pat points to Albert Lea and Owatonna as just two area communities so desperate for jobs they will do just about anything to attract business. He suggests Austin needs to wake up.

"There is no risk," Pat says of the current opportunity, the Irish blood beginning to roll. "Some of our leaders need to get serious about economic development."

Two seconds later and Pat is laughing about this one last opportunity to leave a mark, acknowledging he gets a little upset sometimes. And now, after 10 years of working with Pat, I fully realize he's angry only because he cares so much.

At the end of our discussion, I'm left wondering who will now carry the pro-business torch, who now will be the visionary, who now will have the passion.

Pat, you will be missed. I'll even miss the times you called, Irish blood boiling, when we screwed something up. Take care.

Neal Ronquist can be reached at 434-2201 or by e-mail at :mailto:neal.ronquist@austindailyherald.com