PORT ANGELES — Bob Martin was recognized Tuesday for the many hats he wore as a Clallam County official.
Martin is retiring after 22 years with the county, most recently serving as public works administrative director.
Martin received a certificate of appreciation and a standing ovation at the commissioners’ meeting.
He encouraged county leaders to continue to respect the “tremendously good staff” at the county and to endeavor to work closely with neighboring jurisdictions.
“You haven’t seen the last of me,” Martin joked.
“I can get vocal when I get mad, so look forward to that. Don’t make me mad. I’m sort of unchained at this point.”
A reception was held for Martin after the meeting.
Martin served as the appointed director of the Community Development Department until Clallam County became the only county in the nation to elect its planning director in 2003.
He headed the county’s emergency management division until that function was moved to the auspices of the Sheriff’s Office in 2009.
“For the last eight, nine years, he’s been directly involved in the Carlsborg sewer project,” County Administrator Jim Jones said.
Prior to joining Clallam County in 1995, Martin worked as an environmentalist, highway engineer and solid waste director.
“The one thing in common in that career is I’ve tried to approach every job from an engineering standpoint,” said Martin, who worked with three administrators and 12 Clallam County commissioners.
Jones said he appreciated Martin’s engineering background, good command of numbers and ability to understand finance.
“You’ve been somebody I can count on, and count on to be accurate,” Jones told Martin.
“Whatever information that I needed or the commissioners needed, we were able to ask you and we got it. And you’ll be really tough to replace.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsula dailynews.com.
