She worked her way up through the ranks of city government. And during that rise, Letty Rodriguez humbly accepted each victory she won and quietly took the criticism by her detractors.

Now, nearly 30 years later Rodriguez has announced her retirement. On Thursday The City of Douglas hosted a get-together for Rodriguez that brought all of her friends and colleagues together in one room.

Councilman Ben LaForge, who had worked with the city during Rodriguez' rise, gave a humorous yet poignant historical account of the slings and arrows they faced with each new city manager.

"But most importantly, Letty never forgot where she came from, which is why there is deep respect for her," LaForge said.

Mayor Ray Borane read a proclamation that cited Rodriguez' "exemplary performance and service."

"She strived constantly to better herself and her ability to serve the community by completing the ASU Municipal Clerk's Institute; Completion of Municipal Clerk's Academy; Certified Public Manager and Certified Election Official.

"She has become an institution and a role model for employees who seek higher positions by hard work and dedicated service and in doing so she has gained the respect and admiration of fellow employees, administrative staff and Mayor and Council."

City Manager Mike Ortega said, "Now one might say that she was lucky. Well, I would agree that luck does play some part in it," Ortega said. "But I heard someone say, 'It is funny that the harder a person works the luckier she seem to get.'"

Ortega said that as one looks at her career, one realizes that it didn't happen from good luck but through hard work. A tearful Rodriguez spoke about her beginnings with the city.

"I remember early in my career, I had received a phone call from an old lady. She wanted some information that I just couldn't provide.

"The woman was upset with me and called me a dumbbell and hung up the phone. At that time it really bothered me.

"Today, if that same woman called me a dumbbell I would just agree with her and I'd look for a way to help her." Rodriguez said.

She thanked the mayor, council, city manager and everyone else who had been supportive of her, especially her husband and children.

"Many times I had missed birthdays or an important family event because I was in council session," she said.

Afterwards, friends, family and colleagues enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Visitor's Center.