Clovis Councilmember Harry Armstrong Announces Retirement – California’s Longest Serving Elected Official

After serving on the Clovis City Council for 46 years, Councilmember William “Harry” Armstrong will be announcing his official retirement at the Clovis City Council Meeting on Monday, October 17. An open reception will be held from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. at Clovis City Hall where dignitaries and friends are invited to come celebrate and honor him. Council member Armstrong will then attend his last Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber where the dignitaries can present their proclamations to him.
Council member Armstrong has served on the Board of the California League of Cities for more than 27 years, most notably as League President from 1982-1983, and the League’s Transportation, Communication and Public Works Policy Committee.

Transportation and water have been his passion. He has served as Chairman of the Fresno County Transportation Authority for 22 years. He has also served as Chairman of the Fresno County Water Advisory Board for 13 years, and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies for 21 years. He was instrumental in getting Freeways 180 East and 168 built.

Councilmember Armstrong has received numerous awards including the Rose Ann Vuich Ethical Leadership Award, League of California Cities’ Award for Service and Contributions to the Board of Directors, 2015 Fresno Council of Governments Regional Forum – Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence, Leadership & Commitment; he was inducted into the Clovis Hall of Fame in 2010, and was named the Grand Marshal of the Clovis Rodeo Association in 2015. The upcoming City of Clovis transit system hub will be named the William “Harry” Armstrong Transit Center.

Mayor Nathan Magsig stated: “Harry Armstrong has been a guiding force in Clovis for 50 years. No one person has had more of a positive impact on Clovis than Harry Armstrong. Clovis is today, and has been, the safest city in the Central Valley. It is a city of choice for young families. It is a community that is recognized nationally for excellence. Harry Armstrong has been a major part of making Clovis what it is for over 50 years, including serving on the Planning Commission. He has seen the community grow from a small farm town to a community with vast business, educational and recreational opportunities. Harry Armstrong has dedicated most of his life to bringing excellence to Clovis. This is a debt that can never be repaid.”