by Mark Smiley
Following a 17-year career, City Manager for the City of Glendale Jerry Peters has announced his retirement effective October 31, 2019. Peters was appointed by the Glendale City Council in 2004 after serving as Deputy City Manager under then City Manager Cliff Dodge for two years. Peters holds the record as longest tenured City Manager in Glendale history (15 years), surpassing Gary Sears (1985-1987) by three years. Peters has assisted in overseeing big changes in the landscape of the city.
The completion of Infinity Park along with the addition of a professional rugby team; the construction and opening of the Glendale Sports Center; Glendale CitySet; the expansion of Glendale’s Super Target as well as the massive remodel in 2019; redevelopment of King Soopers; and the extraordinary beautification of Cherry Creek Drive South, are a just few of the major projects that occurred during his tenure.
“Jerry has played an important role in what I call the Vatican of Freedom,” said Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon. “His influence in helping to build this city to what it is today is something we will be forever grateful.”
Peters has also seen tragedy under his watch. Two fires, 11 years apart, are among them. One person perished in the fire at Spanish Gate apartment complex in December 2003. The other fire was at Solana Apartments (now Amli) in 2014, which only generated minor injuries. “Jerry’s handling had a sense of calm and a steady and professional approach to both situations,” said former Glendale City Councilmember Ricky King. “He was able to deal with the media, the residents, and the business community with poise and grace.”
Peters’ relationship with current Mayor Mike Dunafon dates back to Dunafon’s high school days at Golden High School where Peters was his football coach. “I’ve known Jerry essentially my entire life,” said Dunafon. “The life lessons I learned from him while I played football for him in high school are still applicable today.” Little did Dunafon know as a high school teenager in the early ’70s, they would be working together as Mayor and City Manager decades later.
Peters’ history with Glendale predates his days as Deputy City Manager and City Manager. He helped launch the Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce in 1999, operating out of the attic of the old Loews Hotel. He fondly remembers meeting with prospective members in the lobby of the hotel or in Tuscany, the restaurant off the lobby.
In addition to his duties as the first Executive Director of the Chamber, he was the production assistant for the Glendale News. “In the early days of the Glendale Cherry Creek Chronicle (then Glendale News), Jerry was of great help in transforming the publication from a four-page black and white limited circulation paper, to what would become the dominant voice in the Cherry Creek Valley,” said Charles Bonniwell, Publisher of the Glendale Cherry Creek Chronicle. “All of us will miss his steadying hand in the growth and prosperity of Glendale.”
Dating back further, Peters helped put together the Denver Broncos broadcasts on KOA Radio from 1978 to 2003. Peters grew up in Ogallala, Nebraska, and graduated from University of Northern Colorado in 1967. He then became a teacher and football coach at Golden High School until 1972, when he became the Director of Public Relations for Colorado School of Mines.
Peters served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era. He was stationed at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from the early to mid-’60s.
Linda Cassaday, who has been Deputy City Manager under Peters, was named Acting City Manager by the City Council and she will assume Peters’ duties on November 1, 2019. “Jerry has been an incredible mentor to me during my time with Glendale,” said Cassaday. “He displays compassionate leadership every day in his dealings with City employees, City Council, and the public; and he will truly be missed by us all.”
Chuck Line, who will continue his role as Deputy City Manager and Community Development Director, has worked with Peters the longest. “Jerry’s leadership over the past 15 years implementing Mayor Dunafon’s vision, has ushered in an era with Infinity Park, a thriving commercial environment, and a revitalization of our housing stock,” said Line. “His presence will be missed, but his accomplishments will not.”
Peters and wife Liz plan to enjoy retirement to its fullest by traveling and doing things he has been unable to do while serving as City Manager.
