I know some on the Auburn City Council want the next city manager to be “local” whatever local means. Does that mean that if you are not born and raised here you should not be considered for a leadership position? I do not think that was the sentiment that should have been conveyed. It was rather the city should consider all candidates including local and that there are many qualified individuals locally who could serve. I agree with that goal. Just give us non-Auburians a chance also. Make the decisions on what is best for the city, not on some narrow definition of who is qualified.

In some ways non#-Auburnians view the city differently. We know how wonderful it is to live here because we might have lived elsewhere and can compare the positive differences. I think that some in the community -because they have lived here all their lives - do not see some of the things we “outsiders” see. I see a city where you can drive five minutes and buy a loaf of bread. Where you can have your children play in the park down the street and really not worry that much about their safety. Where you can take a 10-minute drive and be at the most beautiful country scenery anywhere. In major metro areas that drive might take hours. Sure there are problems with this city but the positive attributes outweigh any of the negatives.

A good city manager can make a difference. However, it is the department heads and all the city employees that really provide the crucial services that all residents should expect from a well-functioning city. And this city does supply most of the services as well or better than many I know and at a reasonable cost to the taxpayers.

We are in good fiscal shape. Not great but good. We do not, I repeat, we do not have any deficit. In fact, the city ended the fiscal year $700,000 better than projected and that bodes well for this fiscal year. If the city staffs the departments at the budgeted levels and promptly fills necessary vacancies, then we will spend considerably less than last fiscal year and at the same time benefit from reduced costs in our health benefits accounts. Of course we will have some line items in the budget that will be over and some that will be under, but the bottom line is that next year's budget should be a less painful process.

I will miss this city and its people. You have much to be proud of in this city. Think positive about its future. Do not be afraid of change, but at the same time, protect and nurture your past. I will be back. I never did get to take the snowmobile ride I promised my son when I first visited this city.