Assistant Building official, Johnny Goetz.

Assistant Building official, Johnny Goetz.

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.

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