City Management 101

Fill the void - somebody has to be there.

And once it's filled - act responsibly.

Your city will be better off because of it.

Prep

Last day before the last day of work here in Bristol.

It's amazing how busy you stay when preparing for the transition.

Project briefings with staff; trying to get work product ahead; and prepping all for the change.

I think the transition will go smooth; no, I know it will go smooth.

Too many good people for it not to.

Triple F

Have you been downtown yet this summer to take in all the music and special events?

If not - why not?

Here's a few reasons why you should.

To start with, it's fun.  And all your friends will be there.   And its free.

Fun, friends, and free.  A perfect combination - in Downtown Bristol.

City Management 101

A wise old city manager once told me you get what you keep - makes more sense every day.

Welcome

Last night was a milestone, of sorts, attending my last regular city council meeting in Bristol.  Almost 9 years worth of meetings.

A large diverse crowd was in attendance to speak on issues affecting city business, with most of it centered on the budget.

Now the budget wasn't on the agenda - that will be heard at a special meeting on June 18th.  But no matter.  Our agenda format was crafted 9 years ago to encourage citizen comments - both for items on the formal agenda as well as on items not under consideration that night.  It wasn't always that way but was changed for the express purpose on enhancing public input and to foster an open, welcoming government.

And last night it worked very well.

Now the budget will be approved on June 18th - and that will be the last last council meeting here for me.

So stop in if you want - you're always welcomed.

Approach

It never ceases to amaze the efforts city staff make - day in and day out - to provide services in an efficient and fair way.

No matter the situation or person - the goal is to be uniform in application and to do what can be done.

And as importantly - if it shouldn't be done - then it isn't.

That consistently of approach says volumes about the organization - and should provide comfort that city government is looking out for you.

Remember

Memorial Day - a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in our Armed Forces - was celebrated on Monday.

A fitting national tribute - but let's do more.

Commit to remembering those fallen heroes continuously throughout the year.  Nothing is more deserving - or important.