The following is a monthly message from the City Manager

January 2009

“Running” a City

Between my professional and personal commitments, I often wind up involved in situations which inevitably lead to conversations with others about what I do for a living.  Many times people will confuse my role as City Manager with that which the Mayor is responsible for or an issue that involves some other level of government - county, state and federal.  Oftentimes, this conversation will lead to a question like “So what’s it like to run a city?”

My initial response is generally like most of you who view work as a means to support the family  - my primary responsibility is to be a good provider.  I also talk about how there can be good days and days that I can be frustrated by things that are usually beyond my control.  My more contemplative response to this question usually revolves around the idea that no one person can run anything, much less a city.  The simple fact is that we are blessed with a community that has many caring individuals that contribute their collective time, efforts and talents with the goal of making Roseburg a better place.

We can debate (and we often do!) and question the decisions that are made with the ideal of making Roseburg a better place.  At the same time, I never hesitate to recognize our public safety employees - firefighters and police officers - whose job it is to keep us safe.  I have extreme gratitude for those City employees that are charged with maintaining our streets, water, airport and parks systems.  The support staff here at City Hall that are engineering, planning, administering or financing also contribute significantly to the quality of life we enjoy. I must recognize those that give of their time and are involved with the various City Commissions, including the Mayor and City Council.  They volunteer their time addressing the policy issues that affect us every day.   This collective dedication is what really “runs a city” and as I look back at 2008, I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish.      

As I look forward to 2009 and what it will take to address the challenges and opportunities for the City of Roseburg, we again will rely on the collective energy of these individuals to meet the challenges and take advantage of our opportunities.   It is this faith in the way we “run” the City of Roseburg that keeps me excited about our future and grateful that this is the place my family and I call home.

I would like to wish all of you a safe and prosperous New Year—I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your City Manager.

Sincerely,

Eric Swanson 

Public Presentation Links

Roseburg Regional Airport

Urban Growth Boundary Presentation

Veterans Home Public Forum PowerPoint

Veterans Home Public Forum Video

December 2008 Manager's Message

November 2008 Manager's Message