Phillips Says Goodbye after 38 Years of Service

Ahhhh, 1977. Movie goers were dancing with Tony Manero, riding shotgun with the Bandit, and visiting a galaxy far, far away.

Readers were scaring themselves silly with The Shining and The Amityville Horror. The airwaves were filled with "Muskrat Love," "You Light Up My Life," and "Car Wash." Annie premiered on Broadway. And Pat Phillips made her debut at MPC.

Phillips began work at MPC in the drafting department, at a time when the agency was housed in the old City Hall complex on Summit Hill Drive. She generously describes the room that accommodated eight employees and eight drafting tables as a "cozy space" and recalls that the closest thing they had to a computer was a calculator.

"Before computers, the drafting department would spend days hand-coloring maps used for meetings, plans, and studies. I wonder how many color pencils we went through," she laughed.

Phillips has seen tremendous change during her career at MPC and recalls being excited about joining the computer mapping group. "At the time, the whole idea of computer mapping and GIS seemed so far-fetched that I couldn't imagine it was possible. But I was excited and proud to be a part of making it happen."

While she has skillfully completed a number of jobs?everything from updating zoning maps to hand-lettering presentations (before Powerpoint was even a dream)?Phillips says her most rewarding task was assisting citizens at the Development Services and Addressing counters. "You know, I've learned to be flexible and make the most of every new assignment. But I have to say, I really do enjoy meeting, working with, and helping people."

What will retirement look like for Phillips? She says she can't visualize it yet. "I've never not worked," she remarked. "I have to learn how to not work. But I know I want to take the time to be a better mom, a better daughter, and a better wife. I want to take the time to enjoy my family and be a bigger part of their lives."

Phillips will miss working downtown and taking lunchtime walks through the streets of her hometown. And, she says, she'll miss both the customers and the coworkers who have been a big a part of her life.

"I've been so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some really wonderful people. Of course, I'll miss my MPC family and seeing them every day."

We'll miss you, too, Pat. Congratulations on your retirement!