1. This won’t be a “blog” per se. It isn’t meant to be a place to post all commentary or opinions. Everyone is invited to send in a note, but don’t be offended if it isn’t posted. There’s other sites that are perfectly content to drag through what they believe to be wrong with every issue at every turn. This is about what was done, why and where do we go from here. We won’t talk about two and three year old issues. If the desire is to engage in those discussions then look somewhere else.

2. This isn’t the Board of Commissioner forum. MJ has a City Manager form of government. The Board makes policy; the staff implements. I’ll be happy to pass your comments along to the Board, either good or bad, but the intent of this medium is to address how we could better enact policy and improve city services.

3. The narratives will be directly from me, your city manager. I won’t hide under some pseudonym or other persona. My name is Randy Robertson. My phone number is 754-2552. I am your City Manager. If your issue or concerns involves another department of the city (Public Works, Police, Animal Control, etc.) I will invite the appropriate team member to provide some comments, but it will still be done under the auspices of the City Manager.

4. I will try and be as timely as possible, but this is another one of the “additional duties” for which civil service is renown.

5. The City Staff is here for you. The desired outcome is for us to have a positive relationship with the citizens we serve, but we all know that always won’t happen. Everyone has an opinion. It is the staff’s responsibility to work through the opinions and emotion, meet the requirements of the laws and rules under which we operate, and hopefully serve the greatest number in that process. It is not an exact science. The more we have a relationship with you, the better we can meet your expectations.

6. Finally, this is about telling our story. Hopefully you will be able to sort the myth from reality or see the issue through a different set of lens. I hope you will find this of value and participate.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Update: 12/14/08

Hello MJ:

Saturday was the ribbon cutting for Mt. Juliet’s new Animal Shelter. We had a great crowd and lots of media attention, so be watching for articles over the next couple weeks.

Operating an Animal Shelter is a new mission for the Mt. Juliet staff. Although we have had a animal control program for years, this is our first effort at a 24/7 shelter. I note this because, as all the City leaders have repeatedly stated, we need your help to be successful. All of us have seen the local TV and newspaper stories over the last year highlighting how terribly wrong things can go in this business. Our shelter is focused on adoption. To do that though, we need those who are willing to volunteer and individuals or families who want to adopt. A successful shelter is open on nights and weekends; when others have the opportunity to visit. We desperately need volunteers who are willing to commit to helping keep the doors open. We also need individuals who want to interact with the animals; to walk with them and help keep them clean and healthy. If that sounds like something you or someone you know is willing to do, then we’ve got a job for you. Simply stop by the new Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter at 115 Industrial Drive and talk to anyone there. If you don’t have the time or energy to volunteer but still want to make a difference, then consider some form of financial assistance. We have an adopt the brick program; a pet food contribution effort; or simply donate a check or cash . . . it’s tax deductable.

Thanks to the hundreds who toured the facility Saturday. Several dogs and cats have now found a new home for Christmas. Between now and December 25th, consider how much you really want a pet for the holidays.

Finally, a bit of financial good news in the midst these challenging economic times. We just got in our sales tax report for the month of October, and Mt. Juliet continues to weather these uncharted waters well; with sales tax revenue for October 08 better than last year. Remember, with 10 shopping days until Christmas buy it in Mt. Juliet.

Take care and talk with you later.

R. Robertson
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2009 at 7:55 PM

    Is there actually a Mount Juliet?This is a serious question.David Campbell- David@pattco.net

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