2016 Spring Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Ask the Mayor At the end of 2016, 1 will be finishing my 15th year working with the City of Hugo. My involvement with the City started as a mission to get a playground constructed for neighborhood kids to use, which led to volunteering to be a member of the Parks Commission. Following that position, I served as a member of the Planning Commission and then was elected to the City Council. Fast forward, I have been Mayor for the past four years and have been honored to also serve on the Economic Development Authority, Board of Zoning, and various other committees and groups. Today, I would like to thank the people who have given me the opportunity to serve Hugo and those who work alongside me to keep the City an enjoyable place to live. From the very beginning, the City has strived to be transparent within the community. Not many residents know the staff behind the scenes that help keep the City running like a well-oiled machine. For example, Ron Otkin, who has worked in the financial department of the City for 27 years and continuously keeps the City on sound financial footings through the rise and falls of the economy. Bryan Bear, City Administrator, manages all daily operations at the City and is a model for all employees as he goes above and beyond the call of duty his position entails. The City of Hugo has 22 full time employees, all of which help execute City goals for the betterment of our community. What do you enjoy most about being the City's Mayor? The City Council and the other various commissions and committees are also integral to the operation of the City. These groups act as liaisons between the City and its residents. They oversee processes and evaluate them to ensure residents' interests are kept in mind. Most of these groups are made up of volunteers who spend their free time in City Hall helping staff plan for the future of our City. A big thanks is owed to these special people for making the decisions that influence the future success of the City. Although working with City staff, the Council, and other groups are all reasons I love my duties as Mayor, the most important reason is because I get to serve all Hugo residents. I was given advice when I first started as Mayor; "Listen to the residents." That advice hasn't failed me yet. The insight that I've received from citizens is invaluable in helping us make the best decision possible, not only for one resident, but for the community at large. As I thought more about this question and reflected on my involvement with the City over the past 14 years, I am proud to say that the thing I most enjoy about being Mayor is serving the residents of Hugo. 4��O Tom Weidt, Mayor If you have a question you would like to ask the Mayor, send it to infoft.hugo.mn.us. Your question could be featured in the next newsletter!