The city of Danville has lost a great man and public servant. Lyle Lacy helped SouthsideCentral start up our governmental coverage and we’ll always owe him that debt of gratitude.
Lyle Lacy died on Wednesday afternoon at his home after a battle with illness. He was appointed Danville City Manager since March 1, 2009 after being Deputy and Interim City Manager for over 10 years. You can read that information anywhere, but I’ve got my own story to tell about Lyle.
When I decided that SouthsideCentral could be another voice of the media that covers governmental activities (back in the days of HalifaxCentral), I decided to attend my first City Council meeting. I sat back in the citizen’s area and observed how things happened. I noticed Denice Thibodeau (R&B) & Chuck Vipperman (WBTM) sitting in front of the rail taking notes and I realized that with a laptop computer, SouthsideCentral could offer LIVE! coverage of City Council meetings.
I went home after that meeting and decided to email the City Manager’s office to ask about the media credentialing rules for covering meetings. Within 15 minutes, I got a phone call from Lyle Lacy himself. He told me everything I needed to know and invited me to stop by his office anytime. Well, I did just that a few days later. In our conversation, I mentioned that it would be nice for the city to open up their internet access for the media, which would allow LIVE! commentary on meetings. He thought about it then picked up his phone, called the IT department and made it happen in less than 30 seconds. He looked at me, smiled, then said “Anything else that I can do to help you?”
Quite frankly, I was shocked at the speed that my first idea was granted that I stumbled while asking about the councilmembers packets that they have every meeting. He explained to me that they consist of the night’s council business along with all documentation and an executive summary. I asked how could I get one of those packets if I needed it for SouthsideCentral purposes. Lyle said “Just call my office and we’ll have one prepared for you within a few minutes. Anything else that I can do for you?”
I stammered a bit and said “You’ve done more than I would have guessed already.” He smiled and said “That’s why we’re here.” We talked a few more minutes about SouthsideCentral and he was very enthusiastic at the potential I was talking about. We shook hands and I walked out of his office as one very amazed man.
Simply put, Lyle Lacy “got it”. Danville has lost one of the best City Managers ever, and the City of Danville has lost one of their best citizens. Rest well, Lyle Lacy. You’ll be missed.
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