Through a public records request, the Rhino Times has obtained a copy of the resignation letter of former Guilford County Manager Marty Lawing, who was shown the door in December by Chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners Skip Alston and other Democratic commissioners on the board.
When it was obvious that Lawing had different plans and views from the board members, Lawing resigned.
Lawing’s resignation letter is dated Thursday, Dec. 17 – the same day Lawing packed up his office and left Guilford County government.
Lawing, who was noticeably displeased with the situation on his last day, turned in a resignation letter that maintained the dignity he was known for while serving as the county manager since 2013.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Guilford County in the capacity of County manager for the last 7.5 years,” he wrote. “I am proud of the accomplishments that we have made during that time. From the administrative and operational efficiencies, organizational improvements, increased accountability, improved public image and major capital projects the successes were very numerous.”
Lawing is correct that he left a much more efficient and reputable government behind compared to the one he inherited.
In his resignation letter, he also focused on the staff who had worked with him through the years.
“Without question, I am most proud of our county staff and department directors,” he wrote. “They are true local government professionals that put service above self and strive for great government every day.”
The former manager went on to write that his time in Guilford County government had been both professionally and personally rewarding.
“Guilford County is a special community with many assets and many challenges,” Lawing wrote, adding that there was still a lot of work for the county to do.
“I wish you the best of luck in sustaining the county’s positive trajectory,” Lawing concluded.
A class act. Unfortunately, it sours when I recall his severance package. Last job I quit, they didn’t even want me to work a notice. My insurance, already paid up, expired at the end of the month.
I gotta get on.
Marty Lawing was a very professional, effective County manager. Guilford County was fortunate to have gotten him 7 years ago. I hope he finds a position in another setting where his talents will be more appreciated.
When someone is shown the door after serving successfully and faithfully for years I think we can all read between the lines and comprehend the folly of those in charge.
Best Wishes Mr. Lawing. Pray for us!
I agree completely! Those in charge should be investigated!
Thank you for your honorable and humble service Mr Lawing. Your Integrity, vision and quiet strength will be missed.
Times like these always remind me of a job I had years ago. I worked for a rather small but successful company that had seen exponential growth for several years under the leadership of a visionary plant manager. He was respected and loved by all his staff, and seemed to literally turn ‘water into wine’ whenever some issue or grievance arose in the day to day operations of the plant.
Long story short, the owner sold the business and the new owner decided that he would bring in his handpicked plant manager and replace the current successful one who had led the company to successand growth. Within 2 weeks 75% of the existing mgmt./supervisors had either resigned or been fired. Needless to say, many of the workers began to follow suit, and within 2 years the company was gutted, cash reserves were raided, and pieces were broken up and sold off. Owner and his sycophants walked away w/millions while 50+ employees were handed Dear John letters w/no warning and no severance.
I pray this isn’t the fate of our Greensboro, but somehow I get the feeling it’s just gonna get worse under our new ‘Dear Leaders’.