What others say:
During my career and in my personal activity, I have had the pleasure of working together with many organizations, businesses, neighborhoods and individuals. Here are a few of their words from the many letters, notes and certificates of appreciation.
"James Ruff has been a H.O.S.T.S (Helping One Student To Succeed) mentor, for Grand River Elem. School... responsible for working with one of our third grade students... thirty minutes daily... James performed the tutoring tasks willingly and responsibly... diligently and steadily... influenced the child academically, (and) affectively." - H.O.S.T.S Coordinator (1997)
Mayor David Hollister said: "Let Jim know how much I appreciate his professionalism" (1998)
"You should be proud of his good work" - Denny Schornak, Office of the Governor (1998)
Council Resolution #282 includes: "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lansing City Council on behalf of the residents of Lansing, hereby, offers its sincerest gratitude to the staff.... especially Jim Smeirtka, Margo Vroman, Jim Ruff and Lisa Dedden, for their efforts successfully defending the City Council Wolverine Pipeline decision." (2004 emphasis added)
To Sid Worthington, Councilmember: "Thanks for your, and Mr. Ruff's assistance" - Mrs. D. Jones (1982)
"I have received very fine cooperation and assistance from Jim Ruff on this matter." - Pastor Alan W. Kamens, Grace Lutheran Church (2001)
To Mayor McKane, "You and your staff have our warm thanks for your extraordinary assistance in fast tracking our acquisition and renovation program for the Oak Park facility as an international headquarters for Neogen Corporation." - James Herbert, Jr. President, Neogen Corporation. (Jim Ruff copied 1985)
"Michigan State University would like to thank you for your role in the development and approval of the MSU Women's Crew boathouse in Lansing's Grand River Park.... It has been a pleasure working with you over the last few months. We truly appreciate the time and attention you have given this project." - Steve Webster, Vice President & Ann Beaujean, Dir. of State Relations, MSU (2001)
"Thank you for your contributions in making the "Ada Street Extreme Street Makeover" an awesome success! Your efforts to improve the quality of life on Ada Street have a huge impact on the neighborhoods within the Baker Donora Focus Center area. As your Mayor I salute you!" - Tony Benavides, Mayor (2005)
Our City, City Worker Award - Attwood School and Junior Achievement (1996)
"...thank you for all you have done for me personally and for the Sparrow organization over the last few years as we have put together our development plans. Your approach has been very supportive and your commitments have always been met." - James Prister, VP - Sparrow Health System (1994)
"I want to express my thanks for the manner and style in which Jim Ruff handled the South Baptist SLU situation. This turned out to be a much more difficult project than it appeared originally and Jim was key to our reaching a successful solution. I sincerely believe that the neighborhood is comfortable with Jim and that they trust him to ensure that their interests are protected... He is to be commended for his attitude of professionalism." - Rick Lilly, Councilmember (1993)
"I just wanted to express my sincere appreciation for your participation in the Planning Accreditation Board visit. In a large part as a result of your efforts, the initial communication from the site visitors was very positive." - June Thomas, Ph. D., AICP, Program Director, Urban and Regional Planning Program, College of Social Science, MSU (1999)
"Thank you for being such a key member of the Prudden Place development team! All of your support is greatly appreciated." - Pat Gillespie, Gillespie Group (2005)
"Jim, your hard work is still paying dividends for the city!" - Pat Gillespie, Gillespie Group (2006)
"Since my building is nearly completed, I wanted to thank you for your assistance over and above the call of duty... your kind consideration and help... and let you know your efforts have been appreciated." - Ronald T. Allen, D. C. (1990)
Written to Mayor Hollister: "Mr. Jim Ruff became aware of our predicament and made special efforts to help...it is not often that one has the pleasure of working with a public employee as dedicated and helpful as Mr. Ruff. We believe that you and the citizens of Lansing will find that Grandhaven Manor Retirement Community is an important addition... for the City's senior citizens. Without the assistance of people like Jim Ruff, it might never have been built." - Dennis J. Varian, President, AssociatedManagment Companies (1999)
"Thank you for your support of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)tm... by encouraging Louise with her membership in IAAP, you are affording her the opportunity for continuous personal and professional development." - Kimberly A. Dockter, CPS, President (1998)
"Thank you for all that you have done to assist me in problem solving. Your dedication and commitment is very much appreciated." Carol Wood, Councilmember (2000)
Press Release from Mayor Tony Benavides: "James Ruff has been appointed Director of Lansing's Department of Planning and Neighborhood Development. Ruff has been a City of Lansing employee since 1981, and has served as the Planning Office Manager since 2000, where he directed and reviewed developments and projects, and managed the City's master plan." (2003)
"Certificate of Appreciation, Michigan State University, Center for Advanced Study of International Development, College of Social Science,... for participation as a sponsor for the 2001 summer internship program" - Jeffery Riedinger, Ph. D., Director