By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
On her first evening as the latest mayor of the City of Burlington, Jeannie Hefty gave a hopeful “State of the City” speech Tuesday night.
“I feel leadership must be willing to span divisions and bring people and organization together for the common good of the community,” Hefty said.
The speech marked the beginning of Hefty’s two-year term, two weeks after she ousted Bob Miller from the position.
Miller’s final year and a half in office had been marked with controversy, including the departure of City Administrator Kevin Lahner and Police Chief Peter Nimmer, then the pending resignation of Fire Chief Perry Howard in December.
The bad will created by Howard during his tenure – both within his own department and in the Burlington Area Rescue Squad – played a part in the mayoral election, which Hefty won by a clear margin.
Since then, she said Monday, she had been working to bridge the gaps. In fact, she started her State of the City address by quoting a Welsh proverb: “He that would be a leader, must also be a bridge.”
Hefty said Monday that bridging any rifts needs first priority.
“I have been contacted by the council,” she explained. “The election’s over. Everybody’s just willing to work together for the best of Burlington.”
The members of the council applauded when she took her oath of office Tuesday night from departing municipal judge Marv Daniel. Hefty then did her speech, saying that the city needs to work together to move forward.
“We will have many challenges to face and we will do so together,” she said.
Hefty said she knows at least one major item is already in her mirror – a study to see whether it makes sense for the city and the school district to share a governmental facility.
She said the district is cautious regarding the possibility of a shared building, but also that she is sensing that same sense of caution from everyone involved. Hefty also spoke with County Executive Jonathan Delagrave.
“He is also willing to do the study,” Hefty said.
Meanwhile, in the two weeks since the election, the elimination of the Department of Public Works supervisor position – and Dan Jensen – created more gossip and hard feelings.
Alderwoman Ruth Dawidziak spoke out against the critics Monday night. In a telephone interview, she said closed-session decisions like the one made with Jensen are never easy.
“The decisions we make are not made lightly, and are made in the best interests of the city, and that would include not only the people in the community, but the city staff and volunteers,” Dawidziak said, adding that the meeting over Jensen’s position took more than an hour and the council voted on that decision.
“People think these are knee-jerk conversations … and it’s not,” she said.
Dawidziak also scoffed at the criticism that had surfaced online and in a letter to the editor of current City Administrator Carina Walters.
“Carina is a hell of a boss,” Dawidziak said bluntly, adding that Walters had “found a balance” in weighing the needs of the city – and its citizens.
Hefty had hopes this week that the swearing in of her and the council Tuesday could begin healing some of the rifts the city has experienced.
“Everyone’s going to be heard,” said Hefty, adding that she hopes to see everyone moving forward in the next month.
“I’m going to be very positive,” she added.
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When was the Mayor’s term changed to 4 years? Also, does the Mayor have reserved parking privileges?
The term is indeed two years and has been corrected in the story.
Ha! Enjoy your new mayor.
Already am enjoying her. Thank you for your concern ex Burlington resident. since you only refer to yourself by that. I can only assume you did not beneficial to our community in the first place. P.s. You shoulda taken miller with you long ago.
We can now go back to the 1990’s! Yippy!!!
I have been told by a source within the city, that there is over $500,000 in uncollected fines. Can the powers at be within the Standard Press look into this? I was unable to see it within the budget. If there is any truth to that, I do believe that should be investigated? The past judge (with all respect) was not doing his job, if that is true.
Found it on page 5-8 of the 2014 budget (page 69 chronologically)
$425,711 is still outstanding at the end of 2014.
This needs to be addressed!!!