Ed Gallagher retires after 30 years with Paso Robles
Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin reads a proclamation for Ed Gallagher, second from right, who is retiring as the city’s community development director. Photo by Heather Young
City of Paso Robles Community Development Director Ed Gallagher is retiring from the city after 30 years of service. While his retirement begins Dec. 30, his last day will be Tuesday, Dec. 23. After he finishes his last day on the job, he will head to Downtown City Park with his bagpipes and will play Christmas songs. He said that it is his tradition to play in the park on Dec. 23.
“Ed’s dedicated concern for the community and the depth of his skill and knowledge enabled him to effectively lead many facets of city efforts through years of great change, growth and development while maintaining the essential character of Paso Robles,” Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin read from a proclamation he presented to Gallagher at the city council meeting on Dec. 16.
Gallagher started with the city in August 1984, hiring Doug Monn, who is also retiring from the city, at the end of his first week. He started as the city’s planning director until the city created a community development department in 1986. At that time he became the head planner. In 1994 he became the housing programs manager, until 2006 when he once again became the head planner in 2006. He was hired as community development director in 2011.
“I like this town, it’s a nice city to work for, it’s a nice city to raise kids. It’s just a nice city all around,” Gallagher said about why he stayed working for the city for so long.
He said that he plans to stay in Paso Robles with his wife of 36 years, Madeleine, and to travel, play music and “have fun.” He currently leads music in the Wednesday evening service at St. Rose Catholic Church. He also plays his bagpipes several times a year in Downtown City Park as well as for gigs. He started playing the bagpipes 12 years ago.
“When I turned 52, I decided to do it,” Gallagher said, adding that he found someone in Paso Robles to teach him.
When he started working for the city, he said there were five stop lights and 11,000 people. Now, he said there are too many lights to count and 30,000 people. He said one of the highlights of working for the city of Paso Robles was watching the city grow.
“Watching all the growth happening has been amazing,” Gallagher said. “I’m very proud of the city and its can-do attitude.”
Gallagher said that a candidate has been offered the job of director of community development, but that the announcement is pending further background checks.
