Joe Mannion, 75, has stepped down from the $85,000 lobbying position after 22 years on the job, which he was the first one to have. County officials have no immediate plans to fill the position amid budget constraints, reports Times staff writer Jodie Tillman.

Last week, commissioners honored him with a resolution and detailed his key efforts over the years — from helping land the state veterans nursing home in Land O'Lakes to helping secure funds for utility projects — as well as his consistent presence at the statehouse, bird-dogging legislation important to the county.

At last week's meeting, commissioners heaped praise on the man whom Chairman Jack Mariano called "a true gentleman."

"You gave credibility to Pasco," Commissioner Ann Hildebrand told him.

"You give lobbyists a good name," Commissioner Michael Cox told him.

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