AMES, Iowa - Robert Layton, city manager of Urbandale, was recently named the 2004 Dwight Ink Public Service Award winner at Iowa State University.
"Robert Layton was nominated by previous award winners and is a terrific choice," said Kurt Thurmaier, professor of political science and director of ISU's public policy and administration program.
Layton has been Urbandale's city manager since 1984, following several years as assistant city manager for the city of Des Moines.
"Bob Layton's reputation as a dedicated public servant extends well beyond the community he serves in Urbandale," said Lynn Walding, who chaired the head of the nominations committee composed of previous Ink PSA winners. "His receipt of the 2004 Dwight Ink Public Service Award is recognition by his peers that his influence is felt throughout the state of Iowa."
Layton said he was honored to receive the award for two reasons.
"First, it requires a nomination from your peers and a review of your work by practioners and faculty members," he said. "To have your accomplishments recognized by such a diverse group is humbling.
"The award is named after one of the country's most dedicated public servants," Layton continued. "To have my work linked to his is an honor that I will always cherish. We should all strive to improve the quality of public service delivery in a manner similar to Dwight Ink. "
Layton is a past president of the Iowa City/County Managers Association, and has served as a board member of Public Technology, Inc. (1995 - 1998) and multiple terms as government co-chair for the Greater Des Moines United Way Campaign (1985, 1991, 2003).
The Dwight Ink Public Service Award honors Dwight Ink, an Iowa State alumnus who served every U.S. president from Eisenhower through Reagan. Throughout his public service, Ink had responsibilities for organizing past federal departments and agencies.