Click here to view the announcement for the first of many “Coffee and Conversation” sessions hosted by interim city manager Rob Schommer.  The first will be Thursday February 27 from 10:00 to 11:00 at the Senior Center.  Many other sessions will be held at different locations in the community.

 

Check out this event and RSVP (not required) on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/1468191536733319/

 

Sorry I should have posted the announcement of this event when I first saw it a few days ago.


I did receive an inquiry about this meeting from one of the residents.  At this time I'm not copying the questions and comments but here is the gist of how I replied.

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I believe your email deserves a longer response than I can compose this morning.  Please excuse the brevity.

First thing to consider is that I have been advocating for three years that staff and council need to have more public forums in which residents can get information.  On the flip side I believe residents should take advantage of those forums when at all possible.  This is because I believe in an engaged public.

Currently, Mr. Schommer is the Chief Administrator of the City by way of his position as interim City Manager.  Where in fact the term interim has no effect on his duties and responsibilities.  All of which I know he takes seriously.  

I empathize with your questioning of motives as a natural reaction of adversaries whether the role of adversaries is declared or not.  However, each of your concerns has already been address and specifically Mr. Schommer has committed to multiple such events in the near future.  I personally think it is smart of him to start on friendly ground such as the Senior Center.

Bottom line, I would recommend for you to advise all your neighbors that can attend to take advantage.  Come prepared with good questions - which would involve taking the time to read the Music Center validation study, learning about TIF districts, reading the results of the recent Phone Survey and Focus groups  etc. and bring an open even if critical mind to the meeting.

As of yet I have not decided if I will be attending.  I am interested in knowing the information that will be presented and that may trump any other concerns or appointments.  However, if I decided to attend it would be as an observer and not someone that would be there to engage the City Manager in discussion. Of course if I go I would love to talk with you either before or after.

Thank you for your informed engagement.


Tom McMasters
Mayor of Huber Heights
937 985-6275 (H)