An employee of the Town of Mammoth Lakes who remained publicly positive through the painful, devastating job losses, restructuring and debt resolution has now decided to leave his job. Johnny Goetz, Assistant Building Official and head of the employees association since 2006, will go to Truckee with his family.
Goetz was characteristically upbeat yet clearly sad about his decision. He said, “I can’t say enough good things about Mammoth. This was without a doubt the hardest decision we’ve had to make.” Goetz, his wife Heidi and their two sons will move to Truckee. He will start there as Chief Building Official August 2nd. He worked for the Town of Mammoth for over nine years.
The Goetz family has deep roots in Mammoth. Heidi was born and raised in the community. Her parents, Dennis and Dottie Hartman, have lived in Mammoth since the early days. Goetz said, “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone here for the lessons, for the good times and for the friendships.”
What about the hard times in Town government, the job losses, the bitterness, the management changes? Is that what led him to leave his job with the Town? Goetz said, “It was hard. I’ve never shied away from a challenge. I’ve always wanted to be there in any way I can. It was not the number one factor. My family is the number one factor.”
Goetz, seen as the symbol of positivity in a failing Town government, said when word got out about his decision it was “very emotional and the support was stunning.” He will stay on to help with recruitment and the transition.
A speciality contractor in town , sorry never done this – previous post. Johnny was clear and explained all the good and the one bad. He never told my boss – I think and waited until it was fixed per the code. It was the good I remember that I… Read more »
We are losing high quality and community oriented people. Please ask yourself a simple question – why? The reason is simple public servants do us a service, including my family and when 0 appreciation continues, you get this. As an employee of a specialty contractor I. Town I will say… Read more »
I just read this, as we were on vacation, and as a local contractor – what a shame to lose this type of person. Johnny always was fair and balanced, unlike some of his colleagues. This Town Council MUST realize they are missing something. I have had the pleasure of… Read more »
There all leaving… they know the next law suit will be filed the day after they pass the TBID…
what happened to the fireworks?
The brain trust decided that all those wallets in Crowley on the fourth of July night was just to painful. They want to keep the “money” in town so they can profit while using the town tax revenues as their motive. These misers will do anything for a dollar even… Read more »
It is so very sad to watch Matthew & Michael decimate our local government. These two Council Members do not care how many Town Employees leave. If fact, they are happy to see them go! Until the entire Council opens their eyes and realizes that we need to change the… Read more »
Wow, why the bash on two council members, does it not take 3 to vote anyway, these people QUIT ,they did not get fired. I know the two council members mentioned and th know tey like Johnny and Ray very much, so get your facts straight.
Here’s the facts, their both jealous of the pensions of public employees and consider tax revenue that fund them as their money. Businesses happen to be the collecting mechanism of choice for many taxes,to them it is their money. Their plan is to privatize everything possible to enrich a few… Read more »
I don’t know why Michael and Matthew are responsible – it takes 3 council votes to move forward with any decision. I’ve watched a lot of council meetings and I’ve never heard them say anything bad about employees. Johnny and Ray, while awesome guys and excellent employees, left on their… Read more »
@skijane These people are leaving because this town is lacking direction or leadership. If you think Matt or Michael are leaders you are sadly mistaken. This Council is a mess. The town is a form of government and not a for profit business. It exists to make sure the people… Read more »
Skijane –
Lehman, Raimondo and Eastman are all businessmen.
Businessmen always look after their businesses first and foremost and to hell with everybody else.
In bad times … look out! More self-serving corruption to come!
Businessman survive on a customers money, stop being a customer and the corrupt businessmen goes away too.
Johnny is a man of great integrity and a class act. His loss leaves yet another void for TOML. Leaders like him are critical to taking this Town to a new level and restoring integrity and fairness in government. A servant leadership mindset is needed to rebuild faith in the… Read more »
Looks like another is leaving also. Ray Jarvis. Gee I wonder why, Here is the press release pertaining to Jarvis. “Ray is leaving for reasons that are both professional and personal. In his case, the new position in South Lake Tahoe is going to be more narrowly focused on public… Read more »
Johnny and his family weathered 8 pay cuts, in 9 years of employment. No one can afford to live on less money, especially people raising a family here in Mammoth. It is ridiculous to expect devoted employees to take numerous cuts in salary. Johnny was always a person who worked… Read more »
Over and over we hear that both Mammoth Lakes and Mono County and the rest of the Owens Valley is a tourism based economy. Mammoth Lakes puts just about all it’s resources into promoting tourism to the detriment of public safety and the quality of life for it’s residents. Mono… Read more »
Wishing Johnny and family the best. You will be missed as I am sure this was not an easy decision. Good luck as we will visit to see you guys. Completely agree with the comment, you are a class act.
What i have not heard mentioned yet is that we are losing a local Hero. Johnny is a very active member of the Mammoth Lakes Fire Dept and an experienced rescuer . His leadership qualities and positive attitude as the representative of the association will be irreplaceable. Thanks Johnny, Its… Read more »
@longtime local – there wasn’t a story because this is far bigger than losing planners! What a loss, this will be devastating to everyone from the contractors, the community, the town employees. Johnny will be missed as he always was fair with everyone. I selfishly am sad for my family,… Read more »
Eh, not true. Ridgecrest down south is shedding employees as it struggles with budgetary problems in part created by over reliance on RDA funds for basic services.
I am truly shocked. Johnny has been so involved and well liked in this community. He will be missed. It is saddening that so many people are leaving although we cannot blame them. In this case The Goetz family must do what is best for them and their future. We… Read more »
Johnny is a class act, always there for everyone. He served the public both on the job and while volunteering his time. He really cared about what happened in Mammoth. I wish him and his family the best, and concrats on the new job you earned it.
How come Robin, Karen, Ellen, and all the other great employees that choose to better or save their futures didn’t get their story told on sierra wave?? Too many good people have been bullied away. What’s going to happened when nobody is left?? I wonder if plows can drive themselves?
If anyone wants me to tell their story, they should call me. I want to. 760-937-3295.
Benett Kessler
Shocking! I would have never believed that Johnny would leave. i have had so many interactions with him over many years. He was always willing to help out the contractors in any way he could. He would come back to the jobsites when we weren’t ready for inspection in order… Read more »
The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves:
The exodus continues…
Last one out, please turn out the lights.
Johnny is a great person and Inspector. He always had a positive attitude. We wish his family and him the best.