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.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Update: September 9, 2011

Good Evening MJ:

Know the expression, "when it rains it pours?" Well in this case it's pouring in MJ, but in a good sense. We've just been notified that Accurate Auto Body has leased a major facility in MJ for their 8th location. Accurate, along with Price's Auto Collision and Auto Body America, will be bringing jobs to MJ in the near future.

Some other good news . . . we were informed this week that MJ was selected for a second straight year as a KaBoom Corporation "Playful CIty." KaBoom is the largest manufacturer of outdoor playground equipment in the U.S., and each year selects a handful of cities across America that epitomizes the concepts of having outdoor fun. The good thing is this year our recognition may lead to new parks and rec grant opportunities. In 2012 we'll join the ranks of Aspen, Colorado; Atlanta, Georgia; Arlington and San Antonio, Texas; Bloomington and Indianapolis, Indiana; Columbus, Ohio; Coral Gables, Florida; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona; San Antonio, Texas; San Francisco and less than 100 other recreationally progressive cities across the nation. Kudos to Mr. Cameli and his superb staff for leading the charge on this one.

Speaking of "Playful Cities", I hope you and your family will choose to join us tomorrow for MJ's 2nd Annual Playday in the Park. Last year was a great kickoff for this annual event, promising loads of fun for the family. Charlie Daniels Park is the place to be tomorrow, Saturday, 10 September, from 10:00 until 2:00.

Here's an open invitation to the annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 2, at 2 P.M. The blessing will take place at St. Stephen’s Catholic Community, 14544 Lebanon Rd. Old Hickory. Father Pat Kibby will officiate. Meet in the Prayer Garden behind St. Stephens's. All pets, large and small are welcome with proper restraints. Donations of pet products will be collected for the Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter.

On a final note, as we approach the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, please take a few minutes to not only reflect on the nearly 3k who lost their lives that day, but also to the thousands of military and civilian personnel who have gone in harm’s way to protect our way of life.

Take care and God Bless.

R. Robertson
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