When Bobby Tyler was a sophomore in high school, he told classmate Ray Alley that he’d be the mayor of Holbrook someday.

Nearly 36 years later, as he sat waiting for the May 24 Holbrook City Council meeting to start, Tyler chuckled, shook his head and said, “I suppose that shows the value of setting goals and being committed to what you want to do.”

Tyler isn’t the mayor of Holbrook, but he was sworn in during the May 24 meeting as the newest elected member of the city council, having won a council seat during the city’s primary election in March.

Tyler is a third-generation Holbrook native, who graduated from Holbrook High School in 1977. He drove trucks for the city street department, then went to work for Arizona Public Service Co. at Cholla Power Plant in 1979. He is now a journeyman mechanic/millwright for Tucson Electric Power in Springerville.

Tyler said that his memory of Holbrook when he was growing up is that of a thriving community, and he wants to see Holbrook thrive again.

“I have a passion to get more industry in the city,” said Tyler. “I think every job counts, all along the spectrum…We need higher-paying jobs that will keep kids here after they graduate from high school, as well as jobs that kids can do while they’re in high school, keeping them occupied instead of out partying in the desert.”

Tyler’s desire to serve on the council stems from his long history of involvement with the youth of Holbrook, primarily through sports programs. Tyler has participated in basketball, baseball, softball and soccer, through the schools and city league athletic organizations.

“I’ve given to the community through my work with the youth, now it’s time to go a little deeper,” said Tyler.

Asked if he sees signs of hope that Holbrook might be on the road toward “thriving” again, Tyler mentions the potential potash mining operation that is being considered east of Holbrook, a long-term mining project that would bring hundreds of permanent jobs to the area, should it come to fruition. Tyler points to the potash mine as a boost for the tax base and source of good paying jobs.

Tyler is one of six kids raised in Holbrook by his parents, Don, a former city policeman, and Jonnie, who worked for the health department.

He is the father of three children, two daughters and a son, who live in Phoenix.

In addition to his work with Holbrook’s youth, Tyler has also volunteered with the police and fire departments.

After being sworn in to his council position during the recent council meeting, Mayor Jeff Hill and other council members welcomed Tyler with a round of handshakes, but it was high school friend and now Holbrook City Manager Ray Alley who gave Tyler the biggest hug of congratulations and welcome.

Of achieving his first elected position, what he deems a significant milestone in his life, Tyler said it proves what he’s always told his kids: “No one can set limits on you but yourself.”

Tyler encourages Holbrook citizens to contact him at any time at redfire50@hotmail.com.