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City Services
City services are a lot like other things in our lives: we never truly appreciate them until they are gone. It is the responsibility of the mayor to make sure that the safety, security and needs of the community are being met, and as such, this will be the top priority of my administration. Since the city’s population has leveled off, we can temporarily move the focus away from increases in manpower, to using our resources to enhancing the police and fire departments and to make sure that all city services are adequately prepared to serve the public.
City personnel have continuously shown the outstanding work that can be accomplished with what they currently have in place. I am sure, however, that everyone believes a better job can be done with just a little bit more. Within my first 100 days, I plan on sitting down with each city worker to find out a few things: what do they like and dislike about their job, what the city can do to help them be more productive, and what they think can be done to make things better for the community. Just because someone works in one area does not mean that they cannot have a great idea that will help elsewhere. I want to find out from those doing the work how things can be improved.
The services that Findlay offers are as varied and unique as the people running them. It is important that the men and women working for you are comfortable working in these positions, and that they are adequately trained and prepared to serve you better. Through the first few months, I plan to:
- Sit down with all department directors to review budgets and services offered to see if there is any wasteful spending and determine priorities for the next fiscal year
- Make sure that Findlay’s fire and police departments have access to the latest technology and equipment they need which enables them to continue to provide outstanding service to the community
- Solicit input from city council and the community as to the quality of city services and projects, how they are being maintained, and determine what changes are needed to show improvement and become acceptable
It is my job to be practical, and as such, share with you what will come before us. As with any other city, we are close to being in a position where we may have to make some difficult short-term choices. With costs piling up from flooding, we may be in a situation shortly where we cannot afford to expand or continue existing programs and services. If that time comes, I want you to know that we will make it through the rough times, together.
People have asked me whether I would replace certain staff members, those appointed by the mayor to various positions sprinkled throughout the city. It makes little sense to replace the people who know their responsibilities and can do them well. Since replacing those people would undoubtedly hinder the effectiveness of our government and what we can achieve, I would make every effort to keep them in place. Teamwork has its virtues and benefits, and the same can be said for your government; having a group of people working toward a common goal, Putting People First!, is vital for the progress we want to make in achieving the level of service we want for the community.
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