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<br />Submit completed nominations forms to Samantha Caygill, public affairs program manager, by <br />fax at (916) 658-8240 or e-mail at scavailllO>.cacities.ora. <br /> <br />9A <br />Page 11 <br /> <br />Wes McClure, Range Rider Founder, Dies <br /> <br />At the age of 94, former San Leandro City Manager and Range Rider <br />program originator Wes McClure passed away on Dec. 20, 2009. In <br />recognition of his years of service and accomplishments, the city <br />council named him City Manager Emeritus in 1976 when he retired. <br /> <br />A 1937 graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and <br />appointed city manager by the San Leandro city council in 1948, <br />McClure revolutionized the city of San Leandro. During his 28 year <br />tenure as city manager, he initiated several projects including the <br />annexation of West San Leandro, the redevelopment of downtown San <br />Leandro and creation of the downtown plaza area. <br /> <br /> <br />The former city manager also played a key role in establishing a public <br />works system that could support the business activity of large <br />manufacturers. Revenue from this venture allowed the city council to Leandro cl mana er. <br />reduce property taxes for 26 consecutive years while maintaining excellent city services. <br />McClure's vision for the community resulted in the construction of the Main Library in 1960 <br />through the issuance of voter approved bonds and the development of the San Leandro Marina <br />and Shoreline. <br /> <br />Long active with the League, McClure was instrumental in the establishment of the Ranger Rider <br />program which connects retired city managers and current city managers to provide support and <br />advice on dealing with complex issues. There are currently 12 active Range Riders throughout <br />the state. <br /> <br />llWes McClure was one of the giants in the city manager profession. not only in California but <br />nationwide. He was always Innovating and pushing the profession to change with the times," <br />remarked League Deputy Executive Director Dwight Stenbakken upon learning of McClure's <br />passing. <br /> <br />McClure was also instrumental in creating the Municipal Management Assistants of Northern <br />California. a non-profit membership organization of local government management professionals <br />located throughout the 49 counties of Northern California which addresses the professional needs <br />of public management staff. It is the oldest and one of the largest organizations of its kind in the <br />nation. helping to guide future city managers into the profession. <br /> <br />McClure received many awards while serving as city manger, including the L.P. Cookingham <br />Award from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) for local government <br />career development and ethics in 1973, and ICMA's Distinguished Service Award in 1997. The <br />League honored McClure with its Past Presidents' Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000 in <br />recognition of his long and distinguished public service commitment. <br /> <br />At Mr. McClure's request, no public memorial or funeral services have been planned. <br /> <br />11 <br />