As we prepare for the ELGL & ICMA joint event at the ICMA Conference, attendees describe the current state of local government, their mentors, ways to strengthen local government, and of course, their dream six-pack. Link: Raise Your Hand If You’re Going “Back to the Future” with ELGL and ICMA.
Jennifer Frederick
Village of Twin Lakes, WI – Village Administrator
Connect: LinkedIn
1. Name your career mentors.
Orville Powell: Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs Instructor (past City Manager of Durham, NC, Winston-Salem, NC and Gainesville, FL)
Joshua Smith: City Manager of Hamilton, Ohio
2. Describe the current state of local government.
In transition. There is a turnover of city managers due to baby boomers retiring that is just beginning. Communities are transitioning out of the economic slump slowly, but managers are looking to secure today and prepare for better days tomorrow.
3. During her presidency, Bonnie Svrcek encouraged ICMA members to do “Just One Thing” for the organization. What can we do to strengthen local government?
Be transparent. Serve as an advocate for our profession and government. There is little trust in government (on all levels). It’s my duty to work with residents to make sure they know they are being heard, they mean something to the community, and that government is here to help find solutions.
4. In keeping with the beer tasting theme, tell us what we’d find in your ideal six pack.
Leinenkugels is always the best. Summer Shandy of course!
Supplemental Reading
- City Management: Keys to Success by Orville Powell
- One place you won’t find Hamilton city manager: Middle of the road
- Hamilton, OH: City Manager Spurs Economic Development
- Member Spotlight: Jennifer Pollitt | icma.org
Quick Takes
- Sarah Hazel, City of Charlotte, NC
- Lauren Brune, UNC-Chapel Hill MPA Program
- Dave Waffle, City of Beaverton, OR
- Pam Brangaccio, New Smyrna Beach, FL
- Tracy Miller, Sarasota County, FL
- Jason Damweber, Town of Chapel Hill, NC
- John Stefanski, City of Hayward, CA
- Karen Pinkos, City of El Cerrito, CA
- Chris Morrill, City of Roanoke, VA
- Matthew Hawkesworth, City of Rosemead, CA
- Heather Geyer, City of Wheat Ridge, CO
- Greg Larson, Town of Los Gatos, CA
- Jeff Towery, City of Springfield, OR
- Elisabeth Wright, Village of Gilberts, IL
- Mitch Foster, Kingsley, MI, Village Manager
- C. James Ervin, Town of Rocky Mount, VA
- Tamara Lynn Schaps, Evans School of Public Affairs
- Eric Norenberg, Oberlin (OH) City Manager
- Joe Casey, Henrico County, VA, Deputy County Manager
- Jason Escareno, San Mateo County, CA
- Ann Janda, Milton, VT
- Lee Worsley, Durham County
- Dan Weinheimer, Fort Collins, CO