Welcome Message
from the City Manager
CHANGE...
After former coach Bret Bielema left the
University of Wisconsin for the University of Arkansas, Athletic Director Barry
Alvarez said "No
one likes change, but you can grow through change and there's opportunity through
change."
I was provided with an opportunity to lead Eau
Claire and, in order to pursue this wonderful opportunity, I had to make many
changes in my life. It is not easy to
pick up your family and move to another part of the state. If you haven’t had the chance to do this, it
can be very stressful when you have to find a new church, grocery store,
barber, dentist and all the other comforts of life. My wife has been very supportive in this
endeavor, and I am very grateful.
What has really helped us during this transition
is the warm and friendly reception we have received from everyone we meet in
the City. Eau Claire is truly a
friendly, healthy, vibrant and productive community of exceptional beauty.
In case you have not met me, you will find that
I am a very open and approachable person.
I have been in local government in one way or another for over 30 years
and was the Village Manager in Brown Deer for close to 15 years. I believe I have a pretty good understanding
of what it takes to lead a community organization and what is necessary to
provide for the common good and deliver services essential for a safe,
sustainable and engaged community.
Outside of work, I am an avid sports fan who
follows basketball and football. Being
born and raised 30 miles from Lambeau Field, I am a die-hard Packers fan and a
follower of the University of Wisconsin Badgers. I actually convinced my wife, Mary Jo, to
take a trip to Hawaii to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, which was
booked as part of a tour package, to watch the Badgers football team play the
University of Hawaii. In addition, I
enjoy golf; however, I am a below average golfer. In fact, I golf in a military style in that I
am often on the left side of the fairway, then right side, then left, then
right, and sometimes I manage to land on the green!
I realize that there may be some uncertainties
in having a new City Manager lead the organization. I would like to ask for a few things as we
move forward. First, I would like you to
keep an open mind and think about why we do the things we do. Second, please be receptive to new ideas or
suggestions on how things can get accomplished.
Remember there are always different paths to take to reach the final
destination and that success is in the journey.
Third, always keep in mind our organizational values of service,
fairness, accountability, integrity, collaboration and opportunity.
I would also like to take this opportunity to
share one idea with you. Do you know the
difference between 211 degrees and 212 degrees?
Raising the temperature by one extra degree means the difference between
water that is very hot to boiling water.
With boiling water comes steam, and with steam there is enough energy to
power a locomotive. That one extra
degree can make a difference. What can you
do to generate one extra degree? Small
things like giving one more degree can be the difference between good and
great.
And finally,
I ask for your patience. It will take me
awhile to get to know you and for all of you to get to know me. I am a very
optimistic person and remember the words from Barry Alvarez,
“… there’s opportunity through change.” I hope you all have a very
Merry
Christmas/Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!
