|
|
|
Speaking via telephone following his acceptance of the official job offer that made him the newest Greensburg city administrator, Eddy Truelove discussed his interview process, the challenges that await him and his thoughts on his new home.
“My family and I are very excited about it,” said Truelove. “We are looking forward to taking on a new job and moving to a new community.”
Truelove came to Greensburg a couple of weeks ago to tour the city, meet city officials and interview for what would ultimately become his new job. He says that he was pleasantly surprised at how welcoming his hosts were.
“My visit to the community was a very positive experience. We were made to feel comfortable and we were treated very well. The interview process was handled very professionally by the mayor, the city council and the other city employees. In a process of that sort I think it can sometimes be very formal, almost too formal, where no one can feel comfortable. But everyone took the time upfront to make us feel comfortable. I think that opened my eyes a little bit.”
The city has entered a period of growth as of late and has a number of high profile projects in the near future including the water treatment plant, the airport, street projects and a number of complex deals including the BTI sewer line.
Though Truelove has a master’s degree in public administration, he has never served as a city administrator. When asked about his relative inexperience in the city admin’s seat, Truelove said he thinks he is well equipped for the challenges.
“I think I’m going to draw from my entire career [worth of experience],” answered Truelove. “I’d like to think that nearly every job I’ve done I’ve been a strong administrator. I’m very concerned about being accurate in all of the processes that I am involved in. Everything we do as professionals, we’re critiqued on. I draw from all of my experiences, knowing that all of the projects I am involved in are going to come under public scrutiny and I want them to appear in the best light. I want to make sure I am putting my best foot forward. I think my entire career from being in the Marines, to my time as a police officer in Wichita and as a chief of police has prepared me for this job.”
Speaking via telephone following his acceptance of the official job offer that made him the newest Greensburg city administrator, Eddy Truelove discussed his interview process, the challenges that await him and his thoughts on his new home.
“My family and I are very excited about it,” said Truelove. “We are looking forward to taking on a new job and moving to a new community.”
Truelove came to Greensburg a couple of weeks ago to tour the city, meet city officials and interview for what would ultimately become his new job. He says that he was pleasantly surprised at how welcoming his hosts were.
“My visit to the community was a very positive experience. We were made to feel comfortable and we were treated very well. The interview process was handled very professionally by the mayor, the city council and the other city employees. In a process of that sort I think it can sometimes be very formal, almost too formal, where no one can feel comfortable. But everyone took the time upfront to make us feel comfortable. I think that opened my eyes a little bit.”
The city has entered a period of growth as of late and has a number of high profile projects in the near future including the water treatment plant, the airport, street projects and a number of complex deals including the BTI sewer line.
Though Truelove has a master’s degree in public administration, he has never served as a city administrator. When asked about his relative inexperience in the city admin’s seat, Truelove said he thinks he is well equipped for the challenges.
“I think I’m going to draw from my entire career [worth of experience],” answered Truelove. “I’d like to think that nearly every job I’ve done I’ve been a strong administrator. I’m very concerned about being accurate in all of the processes that I am involved in. Everything we do as professionals, we’re critiqued on. I draw from all of my experiences, knowing that all of the projects I am involved in are going to come under public scrutiny and I want them to appear in the best light. I want to make sure I am putting my best foot forward. I think my entire career from being in the Marines, to my time as a police officer in Wichita and as a chief of police has prepared me for this job.”
Well aware of workload, Truelove said he has taken an interest in all of the city’s current projects, which he feels are all tied to community growth, but he sees one particular project as a priority.
“I think the Industrial Park is a very important part of the community. I’ve thought about that quite a bit. It’s directly related to the community’s ability to make improvements and continue to grow. I’m very interested in working with businesses, getting them to come into the area. The city has already made some headway there, but I want to help continue that project.”
Truelove will move his family to Greensburg, and has begun searching for a house in town.
“Whether it’s a rental or we find a place to buy, my wife and I talked quite a bit about renting for a while with an eye towards maybe even building a home in Greensburg. We’re definitely looking towards the future. I’m so impressed with the community, I can see myself staying for the long term.”
Truelove will be the fifth Greensburg city administrator in one year.
Following the departure of Steve Hewitt in early 2011, the city hired Dennis McKinney as an interim administrator until May when the city hired Sheila Magee. Magee only lasted less than three months and was fired abruptly in July. Jay P. Newton has been interim city administrator while the city searched for a permanent replacement.
“There has been some instability [at the city administrators position],” said city councilman Matt Christenson. “We’re looking for some stability with Eddy [Truelove] and based on our conversations with him we think he’ll be a great administrator and I hope he’s here for quite a long time. We want him to get us to speed since we’re still working on quite a few projects and we’re looking forward to him starting here in a couple of weeks.”
