Administrator
Bob's Update January 19, 2009
"So we must help time, and realize that the time is always ripe to do right." – Martin Luther King, Jr.
I hope you had some time yesterday to celebrate the life of Dr.King. I came across the quote above and wanted to share it with you. As I read his words I couldn’t help but think about the times he endured, as well as the challenges that the world faces today. The economic downturn. The many people struggling for life in Haiti. Those impacted by war. The continued struggle for equality. How will humanity respond? It is a decision we all make each and every day.
We’ve been talking for months about the county’s budget. Our struggles are nowhere near those that faced MartinLuther King but there is sheer power in the truth of his words. They bring meaning, always, to our efforts as public servants to "do right."
Sadly our budget projections paint difficulties ahead. The thoughts of a shrinking budget and increasing costs are no doubt overwhelming, but for me, I’m challenged to use this opportunity to change government. To find more efficient ways to provide services, increase capacity and pursue new collaborations. This is exactly the time to think about the endless possibilities. I’m not asking you to do more with less - I’m asking you to continue to optimistically embrace change.
PLANNING: You’ve heard me say that 2010 is a planning year and those planning efforts have begun. I met with the Planning Team last week and can’t help but feel energized. The Planning Team, which is still in formation, consists of representatives throughout the organization and is centered on three key functions:- Advise the Administrator
- Create the process that will be used to develop the 2012/13 Budget
- Coordinate existing and future Key Initiatives
Over the next several months, I will provide regular updates on these planning efforts and I hope to have some specific ideas to share with you by March 1st.
These planning efforts are transitional so that when the new Administrator is selected he/she can immediately take part of this work. Once the new Administrator has been selected by the Board my role will change from leading this team to coaching the new Administrator and providing the necessary assistance for he/she to be successful – this is a role that I know I will thoroughly enjoy.
CHANGES IN LEADERSHIP: As you know, we recently lost two very important senior Department Heads, Finance Director Peter Ballios and ETCS Director Trenda Rusher. Pete retired after 38 years of dedicated service and Trenda after 26 years and both take a tremendous amount of knowledge with them. While these are significant losses, it also presents Verna and I the opportunity to consider the alternatives.
Verna has decided to post the position of the Finance Director immediately and take some time to evaluate the ETCS Director position. During this time, Verna believes it’s imperative to work with Pete and Trenda on the evaluation and ultimately the transition of their respective departments. Therefore, she has asked both Pete and Trenda to continue with the County for a temporary time period not to exceed 90 days, beginning January 19, 2010 and retain their titles and normal job duties.
SEARCH FOR THE NEW ADMINISTRATOR: This week the Board will consider the applicants for the new County Administrator and they plan to conduct interviews at the January 21st Working Session. I hope you can attend Thursday’s meeting or watch them on online.
These are times of change. I hope you continue to be engaged and offer your ideas on how we can “do right”.
Bob
News from the Administrator - February 2012
