Dallas ‘caretaker’ is on the job

DALLAS — Jon Nelson, Dallas’ interim city manager, sees himself as a “caretaker” of sorts in what will be his short, but critical stay.

by: Jolene Guzman, Polk Itemizer, August 14, 2012

DALLAS — Jon Nelson, Dallas’ interim city manager, sees himself as a “caretaker” of sorts in what will be his short, but critical stay.

“As an interim city manager, you want to keep the work that’s on the table moving forward and that’s what we are doing,” said Nelson, who started working for the city on July 23. “But you also want to recognize that a new manager will be coming in who will have initiatives that he or she will work through with the city council, as well.”

Nelson believes the new city manager will arrive as early as December, but there’s still plenty to keep him busy in the meantime.

He said his top priorities in the coming months are making a recommendation on the city’s options in the Weyerhaeuser property auction later this month, the completion of the utility rate and watershed evaluation studies and working with a citizens committee on a residential street maintenance recommendation.

“I’m not just sitting here twiddling my thumbs,” Nelson said. “There are things going on that are interesting and fun.”

Nelson retired in 2011 after 18 years as Corvallis’ city manager. He said he’s enjoying being back at work again — given it’s only temporary.

Continue reading: Dallas ‘caretaker’ is on the job

Related article: City drafts profile for next manager