|
I have been very fortunate to have served a number of communities across the state. Following my college graduation, I began work in Grapevine with the Parks & Recreation Department, moved to the department director and then to the city manager’s staff. I left Grapevine to join the city managers staff in Claremont, California. That was a period of time when great changes were occurring in local government and California was in the forefront. I returned to Texas in 1980 when I accepted the City Administrator’s position in Sundown.
Sundown is a small community southwest of Lubbock and heavily dependent on the oil and gas industry. While in Sundown the city built a golf course, a subdivision to create home lots, and replaced the gas distribution system. The subdivision was important in that Sundown was the only town in the panhandle that gained population from 1980 to 1990, with the exception of Lubbock and Amarillo. And that was because home lots were available. 1982 I move to Sweetwater as City Manager. The city was faced with interesting issues related to state and federal issues surrounding water supply allocation and improvements to the reservoir dams and spillways. The city worked closely with the county in refurbishing and operating an auditorium, as well as expansion of the airport and improvements to the industrial park. The auditorium was the city’s Texas Sesquicentennial project and required the passage of state legislation in order to be done. During the refurbishment of the auditorium we found an old nitrate film of the dedication of Lake Sweetwater. We were able to refurbish the film and show it at the auditorium. In 1985 I was appointed the city manager of Pampa. Pampa had a strong industrial base complimented by the oil and gas industry. During my tenure the city focused on operating efficiencies needed because of falling energy prices and job loss. There was also a focus on capturing much of the city’s history and restoration of the downtown area. A particularly gratifying series of projects were the restoration of the downtown hotel into senior apartment housing, keeping the post office in the downtown area, restoration of city hall and the creation of a national register historic district. And the city was able to build a long sought after golf course. In early 1989, I became the city manager of Georgetown. At the time the state was still struggling to recover from the financial and housing bust with the savings and loan industry. In order to help Georgetown and Texas cities in general, I was instrumental in the passage of legislation now known as chapter 380 of the local government code. This legislation has been widely used by cities throughout the state. As the Austin economy improved, Georgetown flourished with the recruitment of new industry and new housing, the most significant of which was Sun City – Texas. The city’s population more that doubled over my last six years. The city was recognized for multiple national awards dealing with police service, parks & recreation, water & wastewater operations, downtown renovation, financial operations, and planning. I left Georgetown after 11 ½ years to become city manager of Huntsville. In Huntsville the city forged close and strong working relations with the school district, Sam Houston State University, and the County. I left Huntsville in 2003 to become President of The Innovation Groups, an international association dedicated to promoting innovative products and service delivery among cities and counties. During my tenure the association entered into a partnership with the International City-County Management Association and Arizona State University. The new organization was renamed the Alliance for Innovation. Every position and community was enjoyable and we have multiple friends and great memories from each community. Why did you decide to accept the position in Kennedale? The creation of the Alliance for Innovation was requiring us to relocate from Tampa, Florida to Phoenix. Our children were in Texas; we felt a move to Phoenix was not best for our family and we wanted to return to Texas, in particular the metroplex. I visited with friends in the area who suggested I look at Kennedale. We did so and I began work as city manager at the beginning of April. During my visits with the city council and staff, I felt the community is poised to move forward and I want to be a part of this effort. The city council’s style in communicating with each other and the general working relationship was a significant influence. I have seen nothing in my initial two months to cause me to have any doubts or second thoughts. Are you involved in any philanthropic or non profit organizations? At this point we are not involved in Kennedale but that will come. We have always been involved in the communities where I have served including non-profit efforts to improve quality of life for youth and families, boy scouts, youth coach (basketball, baseball, soccer, and track), YMCA, and of course church activities. I have taught high school Sunday school class for 20 plus years and served on church and state association boards. I am currently visiting church services each Sunday seeking a church home. In addition I serve as a Gideon and support the Jerusalem Prayer Team. What goals do you have for the City during your tenure? Although I am still formulating goals, clearly I want to contribute to the quality of life in Kennedale through the development of a quality staff, outstanding services, public facilities, and extensive public engagement. What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Most of my spare time is spent with activities involving our children. Beyond them, I enjoy genealogy research, traveling, and college sports. I also write professional articles, book chapters, and a City Manager’s Desk Reference. Would you mind sharing about your family life? We are in the process of moving to Kennedale. We anticipate selling our home in Florida later this summer and being in Kennedale by early August. Once Lois has arrived we will select a church home. We have been active in a Baptist church. Lois and I have been married 27 years and have five children. Candace, 24, graduated form Hardin-Simmons University and is working in Dallas. Matthew, 22, is a senior Social Works major at the University of North Texas and anticipates pursuing a graduate degree in Rehabilitative Counseling. Matthew was married last month to Jennifer (who recently graduated from Texas Women’s University). Kathryn, 20, is a senior sports management major at Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. Kathryn also intends to pursue a masters degree in a sports related field and will seek a graduate assistantship in a volleyball program. Kathryn plays volleyball at Belhaven where she has enjoyed two all-conference seasons and is a team captain. Rebecca, 19, is a sophomore at West Texas A&M University and is an undeclared major. Rebecca rides on the Equestrian team and recently completed a very successful freshman season by competing at the National Intercollegiate Horse Show in Springfield, MA. Carrie, 16, graduated early from high school last month and is still making final college attendance plans. She wants to continue her soccer career and is weighing a number of options. I graduated from Baylor University and received a Masters in Public Administration from the University of North Texas. Lois graduated from Texas Tech with a degree in Animal Science. Anything else you’d like the people to know about you? One great challenge for us will be that Matthew and Kathryn are both scheduled to graduate on May 10, 2008 and how we will be in both places. Kathryn will play in a volleyball tournament at Texas Wesleyan College in mid-September and we are looking forward to that. We appreciate the opportunity of being a part of Kennedale and look forward to being an active part of the community.
Please login or register to add comments |
Blog 
