Planning Director "Skip" Browder Retiring

Planning Director James L. "Skip" Browder, who helped guide Clayton's growth from sleepy southern village to one of the USA's top ten places to live, attended his last Town Council meeting last week.

And for at least a while, the only thing he'll be worrying about is his golf game.

The man who served as Assistant Town Manager for awhile and twice as Acting Town Manager is retiring.

"When I came here, there were 4,000 people in Clayton and now look at us," Skip said. "I'm just glad to have been a part of it. I'm going to relax for awhile, then try to figure out what to do next."

In addition to helping guide the town's growth, Skip has long been a champion of greenways through town, especially the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which comes through here.

"I was always told, growing up, to leave things a little bit better than I find them," Skip said, "And I hope I've done that. I want to say 'thanks' for all the help, support and friendship. Some of the finest people in the world work for the Town of Clayton, and I'm proud to have been among them."

Mayor Jody McLeod praised the longtime town employee for his dedication, leadership and expertise, "but mostly I want to thank you for your love of Clayton. You worked hard for Clayton, because you love Clayton. That's the kind of legacy you're leaving behind."

Town Manager Steve Biggs said Skip did a great job over the years.

"It's hard to find someone with his mix of expertise, leadership and drive," Biggs said. "Clayton needed him, and he will be missed."

Councilman Michael Grannis said Skip "has certainly made a difference in this town, and it will not be forgotten."

At the close of last week's Town Council meeting, Skip waved his hand in the air. Mayor McLeod called on him for one last report, but he didn't have one. "I'm just waving goodbye," he said.