In 2009 he was one of three mayors to receive the Leadership for Healthy Communities Award, along with Michael Bloomberg of New York City and Gavin Newsom of San Francisco. He has been called the "Father of the Katy Trail." He was one of the longest serving members of the Columbia City Council.
In 2009 he was one of three mayors to receive the Leadership for Healthy Communities Award, alongside Michael Bloomberg of New York City and Gavin Newsom of San Francisco. He is often referred to as the "Father of the Katy Trail." He held a record-breaking tenure as a member of the Columbia City Council.