These are the values she promised during her campaign to unseat 20-year incumbent Dean Maxwell. The plan, called First Year Outlook, which was prepared by a team she appointed, says her administration is willing to listen and invites public input.
Mayor Gere started work on the day after New Year’s by getting acquainted with some city staffers, by having her office repainted and acquiring a new desk. She said she has been very busy in meetings.
The Transition Plan says she intends to propose a new Mayor’s Advisory Committee with the purpose of establishing and maintaining an open dialogue between city government and its citizens. The plan says, “The committee will be comprised of the Mayor and citizen representatives with the objective of openly discussing issues important to the community, identifying those requiring resolution, exploring opportunities and setting priorities.”
The Plan says the mayor intends to reach out to local businesses and other government entities with the formation of a Community Coordination Commission, “to determine potential interest in, and the value of, regular meetings of City, Port, Hospital, Chamber, School, Tribes and major industry leaders to discuss plans, review issues, identify opportunities and coordinate activities.”
In addition, the plan says Gere would appoint other committees, including one to drug abuse and mental illness and another committee devoted to Emergency Medical Services.
The Plan also promises a Mayor-Council retreat in the first 90 days of her administration. “Subject to the City Council’s approval and input, Mayor Gere will propose a Mayor-Council retreat to engage in team-building, provide for improved communication and build strong working relationships. The retreat will include setting goals, establishing priorities and brainstorming as it relates to operations, policies, procedures, planning and personnel.”
As for city planning, the Plan indicates Gere and her administration will be heavily engaged in the 2016 Comprehensive Review process. “The Mayor believes the Comprehensive Plan is the foundation upon which we will build our future; it must reflect the vision, values and goals of our community. Although the legislative plan is the province of the City Council, Mayor Gere will establish strong objectives for citizen involvement to ensure the views of all citizens are heard.”
Mayor Gere’s Transition Plan indicates she will give a State of the City address about 90 days after taking office to report on her findings and to discuss her vision for the city and how to make that vision a reality.
Gere’s Transition Team is composed of Marc Estvold, Wayne Huseby, Kirk Kennedy, Hal Rooks, Susan Rooks, Bob Rose, Dick Storwick, Maggie Thompson and Tom Thompson. It is expected to disband this month.