Ray Patterson

Ray Patterson was elected Springfield's sanitation commissioner 16 years in a row.

History
He had a good track record, until Homer ran against him, making promises that he could not deliver on. After Homer was fired for encouraging other cities to dump their garbage in the abandoned mine, Patterson got his job back, but he refused to help clean up the town.

Compared to many of Springfield's residents, Ray Patterson is considered to be one of the more 'sane' characters; hard working and committed to his job. Although he returns the apology letter Marge wrote when Homer comes to reclaim it, he still tries to be civil with Homer, but Homer himself starts stirring up trouble. Although he reminds Homer that being elected 16 years in a row would mean he had been good at his job, and dismisses Homer's criticism as "nonsensical ravings of a loudmouthed malcontent".

When Homer ran against him for his position, he was frustrated by Homer and the town's ignorance towards him. He turned up late for a debate with Homer, claiming that his brakes had been tampered with. The town became shocked, only to start laughing again when Homer joked about his lateness. Annoyed with this attitude, he told the town that they could either keep the status quo and vote for him, or believe Homer's crazy promises and vote for "this sleazy lunatic". The latter happened, and he conceded to the result, but firmly reminded Homer that the people will not tolerate incompetence and that he would see Homer crash and burn.

Prophetically, a disaster occured when Homer wasted the department's annual budget in a month, and to pay off, sold to other cities the rights to dump their garbage in an abandoned mine outside Springfield. After it resulted in the garbage erupting all over town, Homer was sacked and Patterson reinstated, but as a final act of revenge, he refused reinstatement and left the city wallowing in the mess they created themselves.

He was seen in a park alongside Arthur Crandall, Dr. Steve and various others when the EPA's dome was lowered on Springfield.

Trivia

 * In many ways, Ray Patterson is similar to Frank Grimes, due to his commitment to his job, and hatred towards Homer.
 * Steve Martin was in fact planned to voice Grimes.