As today concludes my first full week as City Administrator, I wanted to take a brief moment as we start up blog posts again to reflect on some of the many fantastic things I saw as I got used to watching our great City from a different view. Below are some of the highlights:
-Elections: This year I got to see firsthand the great work done by so many of our Citizens and City Hall staff as we celebrated another election. The right to vote is one many have sacrificed for, and it was great to see the cooperation of so many. Be it our Department of Public Works staff that sets up the election, our library staff that held a “kids election” and all of our citizen election workers whose work is coordinated through our Clerk/Treasurer’s office. All of them working together, coupled with you who took the time to vote make the voting process a success.
-The Budget: Over the past few months I have gained a much greater sense of respect for how challenging the development of an entire City budget is. I am grateful for all the work our Mayor and Council put into this process, as well as our Department heads and this year, the good fortune of both the wisdom and knowledge of our budget consultant, Milton resident Herb Stinski. As we come near the conclusion of that process, I believe our citizens will find that we have taken a balanced approach to developing a budget that will provide for the services our citizens expect in the most cost-effective manner.
-Our non-profits: Tying into my learning as a City Administrator is a recognition of how fortunate Milton is to have some great non-profit organizations working so hard to better our community. Their relationship to the City is invaluable. Whether it be the recently formed Celebrate Milton commmittee who is working to enhance the 4th of July events we all enjoy so much, or MACCIT who assists the City with coordinating business and economic development, or our historical society, who ensures our history is preserved and presented to our citizens and visitors for all of us to be proud of. We also celebrate the Gathering Place, as they hosted their annual fund raising play that due to time limitations I could not participate in this year, but the have participated in past plays as this event helps support a valued institution that provides an invaluable service to our community’s senior population and beyond.
-Our Police and Joint Fire Department: While I am obviously a bit more familiar with these organizations than a few others, the week’s conclusion included a dangerous pipe bomb found in our community. Watching the folks work through that incident, ensuring public safety and the police department effectively and efficiently holding those who made a poor choice accountable made me proud.
In concluding my first blog post, I also want to thank all of you who have sent me nice cards, e-mails or stopped in to say “congratulations”. As I stated throughout the interview process, the greatest asset the City of Milton has is its people. I look forward to working with you all and serving as your City Administrator. -Jerry
