The Holiday Letters t the end of each calendar year, our gift from Kurt wasA a carefully crafted letter that spoke to each member of the Public Works team both personally and professionally.

The topics ranged from U.S. history to our work together, with personal reflections and milestones woven into stories seasoned with a powerful sense of gratitude.

We share these today as a way to remember Kurt’s inspirational leadership and vivacious spirit.

Enjoy. The 2016 Epic... (12/23/2016) By all accounts, 2016 has been a particularly interesting year. Some words can be overused and I suppose ‘epic’ might be one of them - in retrospect, though, it seems an apt way to describe our year. In the context of the global climate change conversation, analysts often mention the extreme temperatures being observed at both ends of the spectrum – higher than normal highs and lower than normal lows. In some ways, that has been a metaphor for 2016 and the remarkable number of events at both extremes. I suppose it’s only appropriate that we end the year with a severe storm event that doesn’t seem to want to let go – the cleanup effort will likely be a part of our operational work plans for weeks or months ahead. But it also serves as a reminder of the depth of Harvest 1964 talent and commitment you bring to work every day, mobilizing and responding to virtually anything that comes your way!

Looking back, it seemed like an unusual number of very familiar personalities completed their terms on the planet in 2016. It was the year the music world said goodbye to legendary performers from all genres, including David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Merle Hag- gard, Prince, Leon Russell, and Leonard Cohen and the sports world bade farewell to the likes of Arnold Palmer, Muhammad Ali, Pat Summit, Gordie Howe, and Craig Sager. Notable figures At Work At from the world of politics also departed in 2016 including Antonin Scalia, Nancy Reagan, Janet Reno, Fidel Castro, John Glenn, and Conrad Burns. Say what, Conrad who? Conrad Burns was a former radio broadcaster, livestock auctioneer, County Commissioner, and US Senator from Montana as well as a fellow football official until he moved on to bigger and maybe better things. I first recognized Conrad’s affinity for politics during an 80-mile road trip from Billings to Big Timber on a fall Montana evening about 30 years ago. Conrad and I were on the crew assigned to referee the Big Timber Sheepherders’ (no fooling) football game that night. As was standard protocol for Conrad, he showed up absent part of his uniform – that night he APWA Leadership had forgotten his hat though he opined that nobody would likely notice whether one of the officials was wearing a hat or not. When it came time for the coin toss, Conrad was nowhere to be found until we eventually spotted him about a dozen rows up in the bleachers ‘campaigning’ amongst the fans. He emerged with a yellow ConAgra baseball cap that he had negotiated from one The Ref of the local ranchers that became his official hat for the game. He was subsequently elected to the US Senate in 1988 where he served for eighteen years.

Speaking of football, it was the year I completed my 36th year of sports officiating and final year as a college football official, spending time on the field in California, Oregon, Montana, Ha- waii, and British Columbia. I expect to continue refereeing high school and lower levels into the foreseeable future – and I actual- ly stumbled across the purpose for having devoted so many years Big Sky 2017 and so much time and effort to officiating. During tha 4 -grade The year brought with it some tragedies, marked especially by Pop Warner game last fall, an age level characterized by a com- serious life challenges and losses to a number of our friends, paratively unadvanced skill level where neither the players nor families, and co-workers. The dynamics and pace of the year also the coaches know or care much about the rules, I wondered for challenged relationships in other ways. For me, it was the year a a moment if we really needed to be there. But it occurred to me 15-year relationship with a trusted friend and colleague proved the real reason we work with 4th graders is to help provide them incapable of surviving a single difference of opinion. I’m remind- an experience that might inspire them to play as 5th graders. It’s ed of the lyrics of the Mike & the Mechanics tune, “The Living not about the game but about the kids and the life lessons they Years”, which succinctly note that “It’s too late when we die to gain through team sports – leadership, commitment, responsibil- admit we don’t see eye to eye…” I resolve to fix that particular ity, teamwork, facing adversity, how to win and, yes, how to lose. relationship in the new year and would encourage any of you in a Maybe there are some additional life lessons there….. similar situation to do the same….

2016 was the year I walked our youngest daughter, Karlee, down That brings us to the here and now and a time to ponder the the aisle and handed her off to Cliff. It’s hard to describe the central theme of this season – hope, faith, forgiveness, keep- range of emotions that comes with entrusting the care of your ing things in perspective, and grounding in one’s own belief little girl to someone else – gratitude, love, uncertainty, relief, system. Yes, a lot has happened in 2016 and I suppose any one celebration, joy, a few tears, and without question a realization of of its events could have defined the year. Despite its ups and how quickly the years have passed. In a way, it’s a personalized downs, I’ll choose to define 2016 as a series of experiences that version of succession planning where you recognize the next made us stronger, where we were tested and excelled, and built generation is ready and it’s OK to let go….. upon our collective strength and character. In the new year, let’s resolve to accentuate the positive and continue to focus on those It was the year my wife insisted I get a Harley Davidson — at things that really matter. Consider the words of the Dalai Lama: least that was my interpretation of, “I want you to quit talking “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the about it”. It was the year I turned 60 (and thus assumed the role fire of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases of poster child for “60 is the new 20”) and the year Jacque and I by being shared”. Proceed into 2017 with courage, conviction, celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. It was the year the Bea- confidence, and the knowledge that the community truly begins vers won the Civil War, the Ducks fired their football coach and with you. hired a new one, and the Chicago Cubs won the World Series. And, of course, it was the year all of America endured a bruising Thank you for your countless and tireless contributions to our political campaign season in what may prove to be an ongoing organization and our community. Peace and goodwill of the test of our country’s 240-year experiment with democracy. season to you and yours. You’re the best!

Here at Eugene Public Works, It was the year we were reaccred- ited by the American Public Works Association for the 3rd time. We successfully supported another US Olympic Trials event. It What’s Next? (12/22/2015) was the year of yet another record passenger year at the Eugene Each of the incredibly courageous men who signed the Dec- Airport and the completion of more than $17 million of airport laration of Independence in 1776 did so at great personal risk - terminal improvements, all with no debt or loans to repay. It was they took a bold stand for the independence we have all enjoyed the year of the West Eugene EmX project with more to come in in our country for nearly 240 years. Among the fifty-six signa- 2017. It was the year we re-striped South Willamette Street and, tures on the Declaration is that of one Josiah Bartlett – perhaps to the amazement of some, the earth continued to rotate on its no more significant than the other autographs on the document axis. It was the year we took a critical look at what’s next for our but one that rings familiar to me. Josiah Bartlett was a doctor in capital park improvements and continued the dogged search for colonial America and later a statesman and successful politician a sustainable way to address our numerous and varied challenges who dedicated much of his life to public service. When I was a with maintaining our current park infrastructure. And it was youngster my Dad told me our family tree could be traced back the year of abundant human resources challenges and lots of to Josiah Bartlett, that he was one of our ancestors, and his name new faces in our midst. More than 30 of our colleagues from the has stuck with me over the years. I have no idea if we’re actually department who began the year with us moved on to the next related and have never made the time to research further – after chapters of their respective lives and careers, taking with them a all, it was what my Dad told me and that was always good collective 500 years of experience. You have nonetheless contin- enough. ued to deliver exemplary top shelf services as though nothing has changed – I can’t begin to express my gratitude that you’re always there! Many years later, ‘Josiah Bartlet’ was cast as the President of spirit is reawakening with what are certain to be spectacular out- the United States on the television series ‘The West Wing’ comes. Here are some of my own reflections on the past year: where viewers got, arguably, an accurate if not fictional view of I was privileged to attend a presentation by Diana Nyad when how things work in the White House. The Bartlet administra- she was a featured speaker at our APWA Congress. Diana is a tion took on the difficult issues of the day that, coincidentally, long-distance swimmer who, as a young person in her late 20’s mirrored actual events in our country. I only watched the series made four unsuccessful attempts to swim non-stop from Cuba periodically but always took note the leading character, at least to Florida. Given the strong and dangerous ocean currents, according to my Dad, was some kind of distant relative. And it shark-infested waters, poisonous jellyfish, unpredictable storms, was somehow gratifying that he was an effective and trusted and and the aforementioned four unsuccessful attempts, she conclud- intelligent leader. ed back then the feat was simply not possible. More than thirty If you ever watched more than a couple of episodes, you would years later, she opted for one more attempt and at the age of 64 have heard President Bartlet end a conversation with, “What’s completed the 110-mile distance over a continuous 53 –hour next?”. This meant the conversation was over - the issue may or period. Her messages: Never give up - You’re never too old to chase may not have been resolved but he was moving on to the next your dreams - Individual achievement is not possible without a topic. I was introduced more recently to the concept of the team effort. Genug Syndrome, a related idea which translates literally to, A little closer to home, I learned of the story of a group of rail- “Enough already!” Not to sound morbid, but Genug Syndrome road workers in Pendleton who overheard some cruel and unkind is evidently a term coined by a pathologist to describe the cause kids telling an older man who lived alone near the tracks that his of death of a patient where so many systems had failed there was dilapidated home should just be burned down. Seeing that the no single identifiable cause – the patient had simply had enough. man was hurt and embarrassed by their taunts, and using only There have surely been plenty of opportunities to say “Enough a Facebook posting, the railroad workers summoned more than already!” in some of the stories that made headlines in 2015 – 100 people who showed up within a week to volunteer to paint campus shootings, airliner bombings, American teenagers flying the house and fix up the property. And the local lumberyard off to faraway places to join international terrorist groups, civil donated the materials. Kindness and caring are alive and well in wars. Indeed, I have found myself asking “What next?” on more America – try paying it forward in 2016. than one occasion. Here in Eugene, I listened to one of our Rotary Club members Though far less consequential than those global events, we face give a public testimonial of her battle with and recovery from a some chronic issues here at Eugene Public Works that can nearly 20-year methamphetamine addiction during which she cause us to wonder if we’ve had enough already. For example, lost her family, her son, and nearly her life. Through the support how many times do we have to clean up trash, used needles, and of others and with a determination to take control of her life, she worse from the same illegal riverfront camp – how many times has now been sober for several years, reconciled with her family, do we need to patch the same unimproved street because we and owns a successful local business. Shared responsibility and can’t rally the neighborhood to participate in the cost of perma- personal accountability are powerful forces through which miracles nent improvements – how many condescending emails do we can and do happen. need from the same disgruntled person who doesn’t like our leaf pickup program? I would suggest the answer is that, unlike the Finally, I was fortunate to referee some Springfield High School fictional President Bartlet, we don’t always get to decide on our football games this fall. One of their players, Jesse Aguilar-Ro- own when a job is complete. Instead, we continue to look for driguez, was diagnosed with a potentially fatal form of leukemia newer and more creative ways to respond to the repeat calls for about a year ago and underwent exhaustive treatment this year. service – we rise above the frustration and with a can-do attitude Jesse was named a team captain although he required help from we find ways to meet the challenges and to celebrate incremental his teammates in order to make it onto the field for the coin toss. progress. And we then finally move on to what’s next - I know To honor Jesse, the team wore ‘Team Jesse’ shirts and orange it’s not always easy and I’m humbled by the approach you all take socks for their games – the Springfield Millers did not win the in this true team effort. state championship but had a remarkably successful year. During the time Jesse was hospitalized, the Make-A-Wish founda- With the passage of the winter solstice and each day beginning to tion granted his wish for an online Amazon shopping spree – I give us a minute or two of extra sunlight, so is the view of our own understand he purchased shoes for his parents as his first order future. It’s evident in our improving local and national economy, and presents for other kids at the hospital with much of the rest and it’s evident in what goes on around us if we only take the time of his wish. Jesse tested cancer-free late this fall – I was surely in- to notice. This is not the time to huddle in quiet desperation for spired by the power of his teammates and friends rallying around fear of what’s next but the time to realize the power of the human their comrade and believe it will continue to contribute to a stick with one of our heads, that he would advocate for each of positive outcome for Jesse. Treasure your friends as they treasure us to succeed, and that we would be better off by absorbing some you – it might save your life. of his wisdom. Sure enough, many of those same values in the workplace statistically draw folks to organizations today. During my other travels to high school sporting events this year, I noticed a quote from the late great Green Bay Packers Coach I had the pleasure of studying two years of German under his Vince Lombardi that had been prominently posted on the wall tutelage. That life skill came in somewhat handy years later when of a locker room: “Individual commitment to a group effort – that our daughter travelled to Germany to spend a year as an ex- is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civ- change student. Mr. Reed was a passionate advocate for a broad ilization work.” The group effort we are involved with is called body of knowledge, a thorough grounding in the liberal arts public service – you are serving the needs of others through your to accompany our work on the 3 R’s. He viewed the European collective talents as public works professionals. There is no higher languages as the foundation of understanding how things like calling than to serve the needs of others and I trust you find tre- words were put together. Since he presumed we were all prepar- mendous satisfaction in the knowledge you do it well. Thank you ing ourselves for careers as doctors or scientists, he deduced we for your commitment, your patience, and your resilience. would never be able to comprehend how more complex systems such as the human body worked if we didn’t understand how So, what’s next for you in 2016? This is the season of hope, the something as basic as words were derived. Mr. Reed was a teach- time of year to believe anything is possible. I wish you a year of er in the most revered and honored sense of the word – it came wellbeing in all aspects of your lives. And I wish you peace. as no surprise that he would regularly attend class reunions over the years even after his own retirement until his passing about fifteen years ago, always recognizing his former students by name Tempus Fugit (12/19/2014) and knowing something about their respective journeys. I sense It may seem a bit odd that any young person growing up in he was rightfully proud of his legacy of helping make the next rural Montana in the 60s and 70s would have an interest in generation a better group of citizens. studying Latin — in fact, I’m not sure Latin is even available as We gathered some early pearls of wisdom from Mr. Reed by way an elective in the public school system anymore. Nonetheless, it of the Latin phrases he would throw out there, probably more was always a popular class at Choteau High School, not because advisory than instructive. One of those, tempus fugit, generally any of us believed it was a critical skill for farm kids but because translates to ‘time flies’. I’m sure Mr. Reed knew that time doesn’t of the reputation of the teacher, Mr. Dominic J. Reed, and the really fly but that it actually passes at the same unchanging rate learning environment provided in his classroom. Mr. Reed was a for everyone across the planet. I think his more important and proud member of the greatest generation, having served America profound admonition was to recognize time as a precious, finite, with honor overseas as a US Army Sergeant during World War nonrenewable resource to be used constructively lest it forever II. He bore a bit of a resemblance to Sgt. Schultz from the old escape - procrastination has no place in any time management Hogan’s Heroes TV series, a matter made more persuasive by toolkit. It follows that we also became familiar with the virtue of his booming voice and the fact he also taught German. phrase carpe diem, or ‘seize the day’. That particular phrase In an era when moving between jobs was far less common than gained more popularity years later as a result of the movie “Dead today, he and his German wife and family made their home in Poets Society” which, appropriately, featured an English teacher Choteau, Montana after the war where he taught for I suppose who encourages his students to make their lives extraordinary forty years. As a teacher, Mr. Reed had high expectations of his by seizing the day and its opportunities. Important lessons that students, insisting upon their undivided attention while provid- ring more true with each passing year – I’m grateful to have been ing boundless practical learning opportunities, sometimes rem- provided the opportunity to learn them, even if it took a long iniscent of his Army training. For example, in the days before time to more fully appreciate them. electronic media, a teacher would carry a wooden pointer, essen- tially a stick about 3’ long kind of like a pool cue for pointing out It seems we should also have learned some life lessons from important information on the chalkboard. While students were football in 2014. For starters, a local player by the name of seated at their desks, Mr. Reed would often wander around the Marcus Mariota was named the Heisman Trophy winner, formal room and swing the stick – a one-armed baseball swing - on a acknowledgement as the best collegiate football player in Amer- precise horizontal arc about an inch or so above our heads to re- ica. This despite being a genuinely humble young man who inforce ‘eyes on your own paper’ at quiz time. We didn’t sign up unabashedly credits his teammates, coaches, friends, and parents for his class on the off-chance of being maimed or injured – we for his own success. Then we have his arch-nemesis up the road, were just somehow keenly aware that Mr. Reed cared about us Oregon State University, placing a full page ad in the Oregonian as individuals, that he really had no intention of connecting the congratulating him on his achievement. And then there’s former OSU coach Mike Riley who leaves Oregon with another kind of of the neighborhood kids during the summer. Fleet service was leadership legacy - taking the resource available to undertake a provided in the farm shop where we all became self-taught (wan- job, often a resource commonly viewed as inadequate, and doing nabe?) master mechanics so as to keep everything from bicycles more than what conventional wisdom would consider possible. and lawn mowers to tractors and combines in service. Commu- By inspiring those around him to levels of greatness and making nications and information technology consisted of a hard wire them believe in themselves, his program at OSU consistently telephone line strung from our farmhouse to Grandma’s place outperformed the experts’ predictions and he has produced a about a mile and half down the river where she lived alone until group of alumni with noteworthy successes both inside and the age of 85 in order that she could call to check on our welfare. outside of organized sports. I suspect you agree these guys have The more sophisticated communications technology was a party what it takes to work for Eugene Public Works when they get line phone system that served about a dozen of the neighboring done with football - the sky’s the limit for those who can build, farms – three short rings meant someone was trying to reach us nurture, and understand interpersonal relationships. – I suspect folks spent a lot less time on the phone back then.

Tempus fugit - time flies. My wish for you for the new year is Snow and ice management equipment for the winter consisted that you make it your time to open yourselves to new horizons of a John Deere tractor with a front end loader – we didn’t have and dream new dreams, to rediscover the strength within you a bare pavement policy, but there wasn’t any pavement anyway. and those around you, to celebrate simple pleasures and gear up Winter weather brought other challenges, particularly in the for new challenges, and to seize those challenges. Remember area of water supply and delivery. Of note, January of 1969 the gift that is the reason for this remarkable season. Thank you brought temperatures near 40 below zero and fourteen consec- for your continuing support during a year that again featured utive days where the thermometer never got above zero – there a broad range of challenges, accomplishments, and emotional were daily trips to the river with an axe to chop holes in the ice highs and lows – it is my sincere pleasure to share the workplace for the benefit of our bovine stakeholders and countless 5-gallon with each of you! buckets of water carried from the basement of the house to the corrals to accommodate the rest of the farm animals.

Once in a while there was a call for more significant capital Looking Back, Looking Ahead (12/22/2013) improvements. In particular, a record flood in 1964 swept away Here we are once again approaching the end of yet another the only bridge crossing the Teton River for many miles around eventful year, a time of introspection and wonder. I suppose there which happened to be a key transportation connection through are lots of things to wonder about; in fact, I sometimes wonder our place. Undaunted by the County’s estimated replacement how I ended up in the public works arena. I can’t really point schedule of “a few years out”, dad and some of the neighbors be- to a defining moment that charted my career course and I don’t came bridge design/builders and fabricated a temporary bridge think there was a singular decision point – instead, maybe I using telephone poles for girders and a mix of wood planks for was preordained into it, a product of my surroundings. Looking the deck. The bridge served admirably until the new permanent back, it’s clear that growing up on the farm in Montana provid- bridge was constructed, notwithstanding one of the hired hands ed an almost endless supply of public works opportunities. You falling through it with a loaded grain truck one day, but that’s see, mom and dad were in the agricultural business, helping to another story. feed and clothe the world through their farming and ranching I suppose growing up around all of these competing infra- endeavors, and the associated infrastructure to accomplish that structure challenges made it a natural that I would have an was significant. The transportation network was comprised of ongoing interest in all of the things we do in public works. I’ll miles of dirt roads – sometimes little more than a set of wheel be eternally grateful for the opportunity to have grown up in ruts maintained periodically with farm equipment. Some of the rural America and my parents’ early lessons in innovation, how roads were finally upgraded to gravel in the mid-1960’s in order to manage scarce resources, and the broader view of why we do to provide better access to the missile silos that became preva- what we do. Each of you likely has a similar story of how you lent in our part of the country as a result of the Cold War. The came into this line of work - for my part, I’m glad our stories multi-faceted utility system included a well and septic system for have overlapped these past years and that we have the opportu- domestic purposes together with numerous livestock watering nity to work together on the wide variety of interesting chal- well points, miles of drainage ditches and culverts for storm- lenges facing our community. water management, and a piped irrigation system for some of the fields. Parks and recreation amenities were made available Earlier this month, Eugene Public Works responded to an through a rough mowing program in a part of the horse pasture unusually persistent early winter storm with significant snow to provide a venue for Tuesday evening baseball games with all accumulation and record cold temperatures, challenging road conditions, school closures, disruption of holiday shopping Peace Through Service (12/16/2012) activities, and a host of other inconveniences. As I observed our public works staff managing the event, it occurred to me that Whatever happened to 1962? OK, for some of you 1962 may perhaps many of you were also born into this business, that your be so much ancient history as the Civil War is to me; for others, service ethic and attitude just comes naturally. The sense of ded- maybe not so much. Nonetheless, it occurred to me some time ication and commitment to leading the community through the during this past memorable year that for the first time I have event was a source of inspiration and one additional example of been able to look back with some recollection of what happened how fortunate we are to have all of you here, contributing your fifty years ago. Admittedly, I don’t remember lots of events from time and boundless talents to the betterment of our community. 1962 – after all, I was only five years old for most of that year This commitment to service is evident in all you do and plays – but, in retrospect, enough to now more fully understand the out throughout the year – you size up the challenge, figure out a significance of that time in our history. My most vivid memory th way to get ‘er done despite resource limitations, and move on to of 1962 is the 4 of July in my hometown of Choteau, Mon- the next task, all because the community is counting on you and tana. As was my Mom’s usual practice for many years (because because you recognize and understand the right thing to do. celebrating our country and its freedom and independence was and is important), she supervised the construction of a float to be This is always a joyous and special time of year as we look back entered in the local 4th of July parade. To this day, the 4th of July with pride upon what has been accomplished while looking is a big event in Choteau, Montana and , arguably, the only place ahead to the promise of a new year, the annual threshold we to be on that day. cross into the unknown. Here are a few thoughts to carry with you in the new year – first, take time to enjoy this incredible Anyway, earlier that year, a young US Marine Corps pilot by journey - after all, this is your only chance; second, be charitable the name of John Glenn had become the first American to orbit and try to forgive everyone for everything; and finally, of course, the earth from outer space so it seemed only appropriate to always do the right thing. Mom that we should commemorate that singularly memorable achievement. She systematically oversaw the transformation I’ll close with a blessing shared with me at the beginning of of a farm machinery trailer and on old Army jeep into a grand the year by my good friend Dr. Jan Stafl, a local physician and and meticulously decorated mobile stage from which the parade someone who has been a true inspiration – the author is the late gallery could pay homage to this success. The centerpiece of the Irish philosopher, John O’Donohue: float was, of course, a replica of the Atlas rocket and Mercury space capsule surrounded by the original Mercury Seven astro- Arise today, nauts - Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Gris- Blessed by all things, som, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard, and Deke Slayton. Naturally, Wings of breath, she wasn’t able to get the real thing so my brother and I and five Delight of eyes, of the rural neighbor kids vicariously became those men on July Wonder of whisper, 4, 1962 - Mom designed and fabricated authentic “space suits” Intimacy of touch, out of white linen sheets and on the back of each suit was neatly Eternity of soul, stenciled the name of one of those space pioneers. Our world- Urgency of thought, ly wise and wizardly neighbor, Lawrence Alzheimer, himself Miracle of health, probably a self-made rocket scientist, provided seven helmets Embrace of God. suitable for space travel (as well as go-karts) that completed the

ensemble. As kids, we probably didn’t grasp the importance of May we live this year John Glenn’s five hours in space in 1962, the space program in Compassionate of heart, general, the courage demanded of these men, nor the relevance Clear in word, of the applause from those along the parade route that day. Pres- Gracious in awareness, ident Kennedy had pledged to land a man on the moon by the Courageous in thought, end of the decade, and seven years later NASA made good on Generous in love. that pledge – a remarkable achievement given that today it takes Thank you for your dedication and support in 2013 — all the longer than that to get the environmental clearance to build a best to all of you during this holiday season and throughout the highway bridge. new year. Ultimately the legacy of the Mercury Seven is proof of the power of creativity, determination, commitment, focus on education and scientific achievement as a key to a better and safer world. The prospect of a safer world was tested to the limit later in 1962 Finally, I’m thankful for another year of working together with with the realization that the same technology that could safely all of you, that you have each other’s backs, for the memories transport a human being to and from outer space could be used that might someday become your own personal 1962 4th of July to hurl nuclear warheads at neighboring countries. The Cuban parade, for your boundless generosity of time and talent. Peace missile crisis brought the world as we know it to the brink of the and happiness to all, and may all your accomplishments, projects, apocalypse and it seems there has been conflict somewhere ever and deliverables in 2013 find favor with the Master Craftsman. since.

That brings me in a roundabout way to a message that I think is relevant for this year, that we are engaged in the important work Turn the page... (12/22/2011) of providing a better and safer world. As a member of Rotary, I By all accounts, 2011 has been an extraordinary year with many have admired the leadership of this year’s International President, interesting challenges, success stories, historic events, and the one a Japanese gentleman by the name of Sakuji Tanaka who is from thing we can always count on — change. The City of Eugene the first generation of post-World War II Japanese. His perspec- landscape is different than a year ago with the opening of the tive is powerful but his message is simple: world peace is not new Matthew Knight Arena and numerous new buildings under possible without reliable water and sewer systems, safe roads and construction downtown. Significant improvements to the city’s transportation infrastructure, access to good educational systems, transportation, utilities, and parks systems have been complet- and jobs. The focus and goal of Rotary this year is‘Peace Through ed while at the same time we have continued to make difficult Service’. It occurs to me this is exactly the work that we do; that adjustments in the face of our stubborn economic recovery. is, we develop and implement the proper means and methods Our department is statistically younger than it was a year ago and deploy those services that provide jobs, infrastructure, shelter, following the retirements of several long-term staff personnel and the framework for our community to grow and prosper. and with new members of the next generation joining our team. In fact, our culture as public works professionals is to place the And besides being a year older, dramatic events have altered the needs of others above our own. And as Mr. Tanaka points out, courses of many of our personal lives. My hope for you during this culture of service above self leads to greater empathy for the this uniquely special season is that your journey has been one of difficulties of others, greater tolerance of our own differences, high personal and professional achievement and, more impor- and greater appreciation for the important people in our lives. tantly, one of peace and happiness and regular cause for celebra- I am exceptionally proud to be working with all of you on this tion of all the world has to offer. inspiring task. So here are a couple of thoughts for you as you contemplate the So as we celebrate the magic of yet another Christmas season path we have travelled in the past year while anticipating what and look with anticipation toward the promise of a new year, I lies ahead: have concluded there are far more things right with the world than things that are wrong. This despite the new challenges that Thought #1: do the right thing for yourselves. I often wish I was appear almost daily. I can count so many personal blessings, not able to set aside more time for leisure reading so In the new the least of which is the opportunity to work with individuals year I have resolved to do more. After wading through several like all of you toward making a better and safer world. I am hundred e-mails each day, a cursory glance at the newspaper, blessed for those of you who speak up and take action when and the seemingly endless stack of documents demanding some you see something that needs to be done or something that’s baseline understanding of content, making the time to read going sideways. I appreciate your speaking up with candor and for fun has unfortunately taken a back seat. I’m a little embar- honesty and respect – you make the workplace better and safer. rassed to admit I didn’t have a library card until earlier this year I am blessed for those of you who use your skills and continually and only obtained one then for purposes of a specific research work to develop new skills that move us in a positive direction project. I suppose that’s in part my great appreciation for the during these challenging times – you make the Public Works week in March I am away each year to the relative tranquility of Department a better and safer place and your peers across the Montana where I am mostly out of reach of electronic com- industry look to you with admiration for your innovation and the munications and the other (arguably) urgent distractions of the difference you are making. I am blessed by those of you who help day. There I’m able to set aside some blocks of time for vicarious me stay focused on the task at hand when all the targets seem to immersion into the world according to folks like Dan Brown, be moving - your courage, accountability, and sometimes difficult Tom Brokaw, Bob Welch, Tim Russert, William Pack, and feedback are always appreciated and absolutely essential to our other great storytellers. Sometimes I find myself seizing upon success. every word – even re-reading a chapter so as to fully absorb the story or to admire the author’s craftsmanship with words – and sometimes there is great anxiety and a ‘just-can’t-wait’ urge to turn the page to see what’s next. It occurs to me this is kind of a At the close of another year... (12/17/2010) metaphor of our lives. Instead of taking in the full depth of the story, I suspect we too often find ourselves engaged in essentially As the holiday lights and other trappings of the season as- a speed-reading effort to see just how quickly we can get to the sume their full ambiance and our shops and businesses welcome next page – maybe because there are so many stories to be dealt patrons doing their best to help continue the revival of our local with and not enough time to read them all – maybe because it’s economy, I am once again reminded of how quickly we have a competition to see how many stories (and how fast) we can come to the end of another year and how we ought to right- get through – maybe because we’re so focused on what’s next fully celebrate the path we have travelled in 2010. With the that we inadvertently fail to fully appreciate the here and now. many demands placed upon your time throughout the year and In any event, my resolution and my encouragement to you in especially so during this busy season, I would like to pause and the coming year is to find a full and complete appreciation for offer my heartfelt holiday greetings and sincere appreciation for the story, celebrate every chapter, bask in the glow of the happy your countless contributions to the community throughout the passages and manage the discouraging ones each time before you past year! The strength of our organization can truly be found in turn the page. Hopefully, as we ask the question of what we want you, the collective staff. The unique capabilities and talents you for ourselves and for our community, we’ll find both the will each bring to Eugene Public Works allow us to thrive and grow and the way to fully appreciate the journey, to acknowledge and and provide outstanding community services today just as those treasure our relationships, and to literally find more ways to stop before you have done since the City of Eugene was founded and smell the roses. nearly 150 years ago.

Thought #2: do the right thing for your community. I had the op- As public works professionals, you represent the key to our com- portunity to speak at an APWA Leadership Institute training in munity’s quality of life – from overseeing the City’s more than $1 Portland earlier this year and took a few minutes to address the billion inventory of public works infrastructure assets to serving topic of legacy. I shared a story of an old man who was planting as first responders to any number of emergencies – I am contin- a tree that would not bear fruit for many years and certainly not ually impressed with your ability to respond so professionally to within his lifetime. When asked whether he was concerned that the vast array of demands placed upon you each year. The dedi- he would not have the chance to enjoy the fruits of his labor, the cation, support, and enthusiasm all of you bring to the workplace old man responded that he had been blessed to enter a world are the cornerstone of creating the quality of life we have come that had been aptly prepared for him when he arrived - he was to enjoy here in Eugene. Your career decision to work among the simply returning the favor by planting for those who will follow. broad international family of public works professionals places This, I think, represents the essence of the public works career you among the nation’s truest every day heroes. choices each of us has made - stewardship, selfless contribution to the greater good, and the commitment to leaving things better Despite another year of adjusting to a challenging economic real- than we found them. I’ll close with this brief invocation that I ity during which focusing on priorities has become essential, you first heard long ago at an APWA event and which I think speaks have continued to build a record of high achievement with many eloquently of our legacy as public works professionals: remarkable accomplishments that future generations can be as proud of as we are today! Through your efforts, the landscape of Today I was warmed by fires I did not build. the community has continued to change. At the same time, the I drank from a well I did not dig. landscape of our department has changed – indeed, there are I sat in the shade of a tree I did not plant. 27 new faces among us since this time last year. Similarly, there Let me pause to give thanks to the efforts of those are 28 folks no longer with us who have retired, transferred, or who came before me and vow that I shall moved on to other opportunities. We have two new division work to make the world a better place for those managers - both emerged from the ranks of our staff and have who follow. already taken on active leadership roles. Life truly goes on!

Whether you’re ready or not, it’s time to turn the page on anoth- We live in remarkable times — I marvel at the availability of er year. As you turn the page to 2012, I hope you find a world technology that has delivered sweeping changes in our ability of new adventures, boundless cheer, the comfort of wonderful to communicate via the various social media, that provides the friends and family, and unbridled success. I can tell you most capability to turn off a broken pipeline valve on the ocean floor assuredly that you will continue to have my unmitigated appreci- a mile beneath the surface, or that accommodates the rescue of ation for all you do each day and for your tireless efforts to make 30 miners trapped under 3000 feet of solid rock. Nonetheless, I’ll this a uniquely special community – thank you! probably remember 2010 for some simpler moments like walking my oldest daughter down the aisle and handing her over to Matt Kindest and best personal regards for the season. Austin who has taken my place as her leading man. I’ll remem- ined a sort of U.N. setting — hundreds of people from all over the ber holding a new bundle of life — our first grandson. I’ll never world in a hallowed room, poring over my words and the words of forget the opportunity to have worked as a referee for some of the other contestants. For, say, a week. Then casting their electronic votes. international masters basketball tournament in Springfield last Instead, over stale doughnuts in a conference room of a Wilsonville summer with players half again as old (and twice as agile) as me. Holiday Inn, someone would toss a folder my way — say, “Features: Circulation 50,000 and Up” — and say, “Have at it.” I’ll close with another story that offers some reflections on keep- Bias is fairly hard to weed out when it’s just one judge, one cate- ing things in perspective – some of you may have seen this article gory. I distinctly remember choosing, as the winner, a reporter who by local author, speaker, and columnist Bob Welch when it was wrote about finding the catcher’s mitt of his youth at a secondhand published a while back in the Register Guard. His perspectives, store — and buying it back. compassion, talent, and ability to tell life stories have made him It was a well-written story but let’s be honest: had he written one of the folks I admire most in Eugene: about finding his old slide rule or advanced biology text book, he might not have fared as well with me. I love sports. And, try as I What we keep, what we throw might, that bias is bound to come out in my judging. It was one of those keep-or-throw dilemmas you encounter when We slogged through the entries until late afternoon; we looked doing a once-a-year “deep clean.” more haggard than the unchosen doughnuts. Item One: A hand-made, laminated clipboard given to me by Finished, a group of us from The Register-Guard headed for our Bob Chandler, the publisher of the first newspaper I worked at, The car, only to be flagged down by a flustered head judge. The “general Bulletin in Bend. excellence” category had been overlooked; could we please come do it? Item Two: A box of journalism awards. Believe me, we’re not I’d like to say we stayed for hours to peruse this coveted category. talking Pulitzer-level stuff here, folks, just some dusty plaques and No. We did the best we could, but we did it in a hurry. certificates in frames that date back to the days of typewriters and And so it goes. clip-on ties. Awards are like hot dogs; it’s better to enjoy the end result than to Keep or throw? examine the ingredients that went into it. Interesting question, the value of awards, particularly in light I’ve saved a few of my awards, yes. But I’ve also come to realize of all the backlash over President Obama winning the Nobel Peace that the world is well-sprinkled with people who make a difference Prize. in all sorts of meaningful ways for which there is no award. People I’m not one of those who thought the Obama choice was the biggest who realize that, in the end, it’s what you do, not who notices what travesty since Germany invaded Poland, nor particularly well-de- you do, that really matters. served given that he’d been president for only 11 days before the People like my old publisher. nomination deadline. And so when my deep-clean day was over, the box of awards But let’s face it: Awards are like spare change you find in a pop wound up in the dump. But the clipboard — complete with “Christ- machine. You might not think you deserve it, but it’s hard to turn mas 1981” scrawled on the back — remained safely stowed away, down. there to remind me of life’s deeper things. Your friends and family will all say, of course, you deserve it. Bob Welch – Article published in Eugene Register Guard, Sunday, Meanwhile, your enemies will gnash their teeth and foam at the October 25, 2009 mouth and joke that — did you hear? — Obama recently attended a As you think about this message, I hope you are reminded that football game and has been awarded the Heisman Trophy. you are all truly engaged in the important work of this commu- In the end, it doesn’t really matter much, does it? nity while conceding much of the effort goes unnoticed. For my I still remember a colleague I worked with in Bellevue, Wash., part, I am proud to take this moment at this blessed time of year who — inspired by the newspaper’s $100 bonus for contest victories; to salute you and your commitment to the stewardship of our boy, those were the days — used to enter the most obscure categories community’s public health, safety, and welfare. We welcome the imaginable. And win. (I wonder if he still displays his certificate for opportunities and challenges that 2011 will bring - whether you First Place, Home Pages Division, Sectional & Loveseat Category?) celebrate here or somewhere on the road, I wish you and your Yes, it’s nice to be recognized for something you’ve done. But ever family a joyous holiday season filled with peace, good health, and since the day I helped judge a journalism contest myself, I’ve remind- happiness. Thank you again for your dedication – may life be ed myself not to think too highly of myself if I win something or too good to you! lowly if I don’t. It was the late ’90s and I was among a couple of dozen people asked to judge the Tennessee Press Association’s annual contest. Before then, when entering a journalism contest, I always imag- The Balance Sheet(12/14/09) “1956 was a hard year for the Patterson family. One evening Dad came home from work at the lumber mill in so much pain he When confronted with a particularly difficult decision, I often could scarcely drag himself out of the car. He had tripped at work find it helpful to draw up a balance sheet – on one side of the and hurt his back. Worried about his paycheck at the end of the week, ledger I list the compelling reasons in support of a particular Dad pulled himself to his feet and gutted it out until the end of his decision while the other side of the ledger has the counter- shift, despite a pain that (we later learned from a coworker) was so points. This usually leads to an informed, usually rational, if gut-wrenching he almost passed out several times. not always perfect decision. Sometimes the balance sheet is, Mom tried to heal Dad with a variety of homemade poultices in fact, balanced and there is little choice but to flip a coin but that had such a stench they practically peeled back the wallpaper. that’s another story for another day… But to no effect. Eventually Dad put himself in the care of a surgeon who cut a piece of bone from his hip and fused it into his spine. The And so it is as we look back on our quickly fading 2009, Workers Compensation Fund refused to cover his injury (claiming he passing in what seems like a heartbeat as they all seem to had aggravated a pre-existing condition). So two weeks later when anymore, and try to decide what kind of a year we had to he returned home to heal, all the money we had to live on for the next work with – was it a keeper or a throwaway? It would be easy six months would come from whatever Mom could earn making and and perhaps understandable to get lost on the minus side of selling pastries. the ledger with everything we found troublesome about 2009. The neighbors soon caught wind of our plight and hardly a day Some may remember it as the year of an unprecedented $12 passed without someone dropping by with a slab of venison or a million budget problem and the continuing efforts to find a basket of wild asparagus. We quickly discovered that beggars, indeed, solution. For others it may have been the year of the MRH can’t be choosers as we learned to dine on everything from goose (mandatory reduced work hours) timesheet code. For yet eggs to elk heart. But it wasn’t all gizzards and duck feet. One day, others it may have just been a year of reckoning with perhaps Walter Kaiser, the retired boatswain mate who lived across the a host of other things we wished would have gone differently. street, brought by a huge bag of delicious unshelled peanuts he’d won There have surely been some interesting challenges along the playing bingo at the VFW. way and 2010 will likely stretch us even further. As fall drifted into winter and Dad continued to heal, my thoughts turned to Christmas. Without money for presents I began to wonder I will no doubt remember the challenges of 2009 myself. if the peanuts would be our only gift that year. What I really wanted Nonetheless, I will also choose to remember 2009 as the year was a telescope. I’d found a picture of a swell one in the Sears cata- we made significant progress in addressing our street repair logue, but I knew it would cost too much, so I put in a request for an issues thanks to the support of the City Council, the Oregon inexpensive, plastic spy glass. Legislature, and especially Eugene’s voters who approved Mom could tell I wasn’t adjusting well to our newfound poverty the street bond measure late last year. I will most certainly and did her best to remain cheerful despite the fact that our financial remember the bond measure passed because of the credibility crisis was exacting a toll on her. Between caring for Father, raising you have established in the community that prompts policy two boys, and making baked goods, Mother scarcely slept. And yet she makers and voters to support your work. I’ll also remember was our rock. One evening she caught me crying in my room because 2009 as the year Eugene Public Works was recognized for my weekly allowance had been long abandoned and I suddenly re- having one of the nation’s 100 Best Fleet & Radio operations alized I hadn’t saved enough money to buy presents for my relatives. and the year we had award-winning efforts from virtually all Each year I purchased a gift for my grandparents, parents, brother, of our other service areas from the airport to parks to engi- aunt and uncle, and two cousins. Now what would I do? neering to administration to wastewater treatment. In short, I Mom comforted me while she searched for a solution. find a lot of counterbalancing to the more difficult side of the “Let’s see,” she muttered. “You don’t have any money. I don’t have 2009 ledger. any money . . .” Then it came to her in a flash. “Walter’s peanuts!” she Recently I came across an editorial column that I think offers shouted with glee. “Walter’s peanuts!” some helpful perspectives for both our interesting economic Mother then explained that she would teach me how to make times as well as this remarkable holiday season. The writ- peanut brittle for Christmas. A box of brittle would make a delicious er, Kerry Patterson, is a co-author of Crucial Conversations, present—for young and old alike—and we already had all of the Crucial Confrontations, and The Influencer, all reference books ingredients we needed. that have been used in some of the City’s training programs For several evenings I donned my mother’s apron, stood on a stool, in recent years. So, with full credit and appreciation to Mr. and labored happily over the stove. On the last night, after the last Patterson, here is his story: batch of candy was finally completed, Mom brought out the end of a roll of newsprint and I colored on it until it made a suitable wrap- ping paper. Soon I had a nicely wrapped present for everyone. And so, in a flurry of compliments and joyful affirmations, our But my holiday mood didn’t last. There was no sign of a spyglass 1956 came to an end. By mid-January, Dad had returned to work anywhere and I was just sure my tenth Christmas was going to be at the mill and things were back to normal. the worst Christmas ever. Once again, it was Mother who came I hadn’t thought much about that particular season until I started to the rescue. As I sat at the kitchen table, mooning over the Sears wondering about this year’s bleak economy and the challenge many catalogue toys that I wouldn’t be getting, Mom gently tapped me people will have as they try to bring joy to the holidays. I don’t know on the shoulder. I turned around and there she stood with her arm what it will be like for others; however, I do know this. In 1956, the outstretched and an axe clutched in her hand. year of our poverty, I didn’t get a spyglass. We simply didn’t have “It’s time for you to go get our Christmas tree,” Mother said with a enough money. smile. But you know what? It didn’t really matter. I still found Christ- I couldn’t believe it. The axe was being passed on to me! Since Dad mas. I found it in Mom’s irrepressible spirit and endless ingenuity. was house-bound, I would now carry the axe. Drawing myself out To this day, I can close my eyes and see her cheerfully toiling over de- of my funk, I carefully took the bucolic scepter from Mom’s hand, licious petit fours into the wee hours of the morning. Dad constantly hiked into the snow-covered forest that was our backyard, and praised me for growing into what he called “a little man.” That was chopped down a spruce tree. his gift to me. My family complimented the brittle and the goofy An hour later, as I huffed, puffed, and hauled the newly cut tree to looking tree I cobbled together with the same enthusiasm generally our home, I ran into Walter. afforded a returning hero. That was their present. “That’s kind of a shabby looking thing,” the former navy man During this lean year, several of my family members are taking barked as he bit down on his pipe. their lead from 1956. Many are making gifts rather than buying It was. The good looking trees were too far away for me to haul them. My nine-year-old granddaughter, Rachel, has sewn a bun- them all the way back to our home, so I had settled on a tree that was ting for her sister who will be born on December 21st. The material nearby. This tree was decent on one side and pretty shabby on the for the outfit cost less than a dollar, but the fact that she sewed it other. with her own two hands makes it priceless. I suspect her gift will “I have just the thing,” Walter offered as he disappeared into the get most of the ooohs and ahhhs at the Patterson gathering this year. shed behind his house. A couple minutes later he returned with his I also suspect that it’ll be Rachel’s favorite gift as well. solution to our lackluster tree—a hand drill and several drill bits. We’re also taking special care to spend as much time as we can “Every place there’s a gap in the tree, drill a hole,” Walter snapped. together. The time of shared love and caring is the biggest part of I’ll tell you which drill size and where to drill.” any memory we’ll create. And when we gather on Christmas Eve, I After I finished boring the holes, Walter handed me a stack of limbs plan on reading this story aloud. I’ll give other gifts. I’ll share other he’d cut from a pine tree nearby and stated: “They’re not a perfect things, but they’re only things. This story, taken from memory and match, but they’re close enough for government work.” recorded with love, will be my favorite gift. Uncertain but hopeful, I began to insert pine branches into the So there you have it—1956, the year of our poverty. The year my holes I had drilled in the spruce tree. Then, with Walter’s help, I cut father tripped . . . and I stumbled on Christmas.” the newly affixed appendages to the right length and trimmed a Kerry Patterson, VitalSmarts - 2009 little here and a little there until the tree looked surprisingly full— curiously motley, but full. Now I’m not sure that we’ll track precisely with this story and Christmas day finally came and all I could think about were the find that things are back to normal by mid-January (whatever presents I had made. How would my family react? I didn’t have to “normal” is) but I do have boundless confidence that we will wait long to get an answer, for soon my relatives were tearing away do our level best to deal with anything that is thrown our the homemade wrapping paper and sampling the treasure inside. way in the new year. I can’t reflect on a year without thinking “It’s wonderful!” My aunt Mickey exclaimed as she bit into the just how fortunate this community is to have all of you. My brittle. wish for you is for the spirit of the season to be your constant “And you made it all by yourself!” Grandpa Bill enthused. companion through the coming year, and that your balance “Why it’s far better than anything store bought,” shouted my uncle sheet for 2010 is filled with high achievement, good health, Vic. happiness, and a clear appreciation for what really matters. “And just look at the tree!” my father proudly said. Then he paused For those of you facing difficulties in your personal lives, I for effect and asked, “Did you know that Kerry is responsible for wish you comfort and peace. Thank you for making a differ- that tree?” ence to this organization and to the community and for all “I understand you cut it down and then spruced it up.” (Actually I that you do every day! had pined it up.) “Is that true?” asked Grandpa. What Really Matters... (12/19/2008) mitment play out in countless other situations throughout the year. There are certainly challenges ahead, not the least of which It seems this time each year I find myself reflecting on various include resolving budget issues in several areas of the organiza- worldly matters - those thoughts often take me to those who tion. But we need look no further than the successful passage of have dedicated their life’s work to helping the rest of us under- the street maintenance bond measure in November as evidence stand what really matters. This year I have found myself reflect- the public recognizes and appreciates your efforts. Against the ing on the life of Randy Pausch — some of you have perhaps backdrop of a difficult economy, the measure was approved by tracked his life as reported in the media over the past year. Randy a comfortable margin - a clear testament to the credibility you was, among other things, a professor of Computer Science at have established with the public. When this community thinks Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. A little over a year about what really matters, they should think about all of you. ago he delivered what was billed as his “last lecture” in a campus lecture hall full of his students and close friends. It is apparently We have surely heard the word “change” used frequently this not unusual for universities to challenge their professors with year and it clearly has been a year of change. In addition to the such opportunities as an exercise that allows them to share what’s many new faces in Public Works, we have a new City Manager on their mind in the event they had only one last chance to con- together with the turnover of nearly half the Executive Man- vince the world what really matters the most - in essence, how agement team. And we will see a change in the local, state, and they would want others to remember them. What made Randy’s national political landscapes in the new year as a result of the situation unusual was that subsequent to scheduling the lecture November elections. With these changes come a host of new op- he was diagnosed with terminal cancer so it really was his last portunities. I am always gratified at the ability of Eugene Public lecture. Remarkably, his presentation didn’t dwell on the topic of Works to respond to the many changing conditions that come dying except to acknowledge the medical and practical reality of your way and can’t help but believe your efforts and commitment his situation. Instead, the title of his lecture was “Really Achieving to best management practices contribute to this agility and set Your Chidhood Dreams” and for an hour and fifteen minutes he you apart from others. To that end, you were all a part of our shared a wealth of wisdom covering all of the important lessons APWA Reaccreditation this year. Your dedication to the cause he had learned. Prominent among these lessons were practical has placed you among the best of the best - there are still only tips on dealing with adversity, meeting and overcoming chal- two agencies in Oregon and fifty in all of North America to have lenges, helping others to succeed in their own lives, maintaining met the requirements for APWA Accreditation. Special thanks perspective, and appreciating what really matters. Not too sur- to Carla Spangler and Gary McNeel for stepping up to lead that prisingly, Randy survived much longer than any of the medical effort, clear evidence of their willingness to take on “other duties experts predicted until he passed away last summer at the age of as assigned”! Another change we are experiencing is the influx 47. His presentation was videotaped and can be viewed online at of bright new young public works professionals into the orga- www.thelastlecture.com. I you haven’t seen it, you might wish to nization resulting from our many retirements. We can all look take a look sometime when you have an hour or so for an incred- forward to the future with tremendous confidence. ible lesson in perspective. So back to Randy Pausch. Randy spoke eloquently of treasuring My point in sharing this story with you this year is to draw its time as your most precious commodity because you only get one parallels to our own approach to our careers as public works allotment and you don’t know for sure how large an allotment professionals. We deal with challenging conditions on nearly a you have. During this special season and throughout the com- daily basis, meet and deal with adversity, serve a critical role in ing year, please cherish your time with friends and family, keep the success of the community, and provide what really matters to things in perspective, and focus on what really matters to you. our citizens. It has been my pleasure to see all of you take on this Please know you have my deepest gratitude and appreciation role with a sense of pride and purpose and in the true spirit of a for your tireless efforts - you are exceptional representatives of shared responsibility. This has been abundantly evident during our profession and I am indescribably proud to be on your team. the past week as the community has dealt with a major winter Thanks for being there for me and for one another. May there be storm event. In the face of some particularly difficult conditions, peace in your lives and across the land… the snow and ice maintenance plan was quickly and efficiently dispatched. Many of you selflessly worked long hours with little sleep to assure the travelling public would be safe, to assure that commercial air traffic could continue to arrive and depart on schedule from the Eugene Airport, all with a demonstrated sense of commitment to excellent public service. And I see this com- Another remarkable year! (12/20/2007) “…..apply this small contribution toward the betterment of the streets in our fair city. We want to give back something to the At the end of each year as I reflect upon the past twelve months’ city which we are fortunate to call our home.” I was extremely journey, I am continually impressed with your ability to respond honored by this selfless unsolicited act, both in the assurance we to changing conditions, priorities, and challenges — and, believe live in a community where people care as well as the show of me, I know you deal with them. In fact, about the only constant confidence of this couple to entrust their hard-earned money to we have is change itself. This year we have again accomplished Eugene Public Works knowing it would be spent wisely. much and welcomed a number of new staff while others have Finally, while I am ever impressed with your contributions to departed - retirements, promotions, and opportunities here and the community, I am regularly struck by what you do for one elsewhere. All told, there are more than 160 new faces in Eugene another. Becky Taylor from the Engineering Division stood and Public Works who were not with us as recently as 2001 — wow! delivered an eloquent tribute to Roland Hoskins at his farewell I’ll ask your indulgence as I begin this year’s message with a reception earlier this fall during which she credited Roland with tribute to someone outside the organization. having overcome her fear of public speaking. Roland was but In Tom Brokaw’s book, The Greatest Generation, he tells the sto- one example of a co-worker who tirelessly worked to develop ries of individual men and women who grew up during the Great leadership skills and leaders from within the organization. You Depression and the post-World War II era and subsequently support one another in countless other ways and the organiza- built the America we live in today. The common thread connect- tion is better because of it. ing the heroes in these stories is their strength of character and So at this time of year as we celebrate the holidays and look value system borne of a common cause. Some of those profiled in forward with much anticipation to the new year, I proudly salute his book are still with us; others have passed on. This year, I lost you and thank you for all you do day in and day out. I wish you a treasured member from the greatest generation who was not good health, happiness, and success in all your endeavours. And profiled in the book, my Mom. I was honored to have my family most of all, I wish you peace….. ask me to speak at her memorial service and it was not difficult to recall the sacrifices she had made during her life and her many contributions to the greater good. Here was a woman who had The highlight reel... (12/21/2006) owned and operated her own business (a gas station and tire shop) as a young single female in the 1940’s and who later start- Wow!! That kind of sums up the realization that 2007 is upon ed two more successful businesses while concurrently balancing us — I guess time really does go faster as the years go by, but here the challenges of life as a Montana farm wife. While recognized we are once again at the dawn of a new year. I often see parallels as a good businesswoman, she was remembered more for her between my role here at Eugene Public Works and my other avo- compassion and her human skills. As the memories flowed, it cation working as a referee on the football field or the basketball became abundantly evident in retrospect that she shared the court. One of the last things I say to my partners before we take common values of the greatest generation: duty, honor, courage, the field is, “Let’s not make the ESPN highlight reel tonight”, an service, love of family and country, and responsibility for oneself. acknowledgement that referees usually only get air time when they It is my hope that each of our legacies include being remembered make mistakes (a la Ducks v. Oklahoma). But it also translates to as great public works professionals — it is my greater hope that doing your job so efficiently and transparently that nobody notices we can be remembered for our strength of character and our or even remembers you were there - just creating a good experi- commitment to clearing the bar that has truly been set high by ence for the players and the fans. the greatest generation. As public works professionals, we rarely make the highlight reel That said, we have some pretty darned good generations in our either. Instead, the work we do rebuilding streets, opening new own midst. I expect we have at least four generations represent- parks, keeping the city’s fleet on the road, making sure toilets flush ed in our organization who all surely share this commitment to and catch basins drain, taking care of the urban forest, keeping service and responsibility. You should also know and appreciate street lights lit, providing a safe and modern facility for air travel, there are those in the greater community who deeply honor planning for the future, protecting the environment, and taking and respect you and your work. For example, despite our best on the mountain of other daily responsibilities at all hours of the efforts, we haven’t yet been able to resolve our chronic street day and night is essentially an expectation. From my perspective, maintenance funding issues. Nonetheless, we continue to make though, you are the everyday heroes and true first responders and progress, sometimes in unexpected ways. We recently received a you would have the headlines every day if I was the editor. None- donation from a West Eugene couple in the form of their kicker theless, I think a sense of quiet confidence and competence is OK refund check they had received from the Oregon Department of and I’ll share just a couple of thoughts with you. Revenue. Enclosed with the check was a note requesting that we A few weeks ago I had the privelege of speaking to a group of Another year..... (12/23/2005) Canadian public works professionals who asked me to talk to them about leadership and role models who had influenced me At the close of another year, I once again find myself standing in over the years. Preparing my remarks for that presentation caused awe of the many achievements and successes that bear your mark me to reflect on some of the lessons learned from several import- throughout the community, particularly given how quickly the ant people in my life. My dad lived a comparatively simple life year has passed. I am humbled by your quiet confidence and ded- before being taken away by cancer at the age of 66 - but when ication, your “just do it” approach; this has been the cornerstone asked during his last days whether he felt short-changed in life or of the accomplishments in all of our program areas. For example: in crossing over to the other side so young, he responded without — a new parallel runway was placed in operation at the Eugene hesitation, “I couldn’t have asked for anything more”. Anoth- Airport earlier this fall which will be a key to the City’s future er dear friend who was held captive as a prisoner of war under economic development strategy; nearly impossible conditions in Viet Nam for 65 months while he was in his twenties observed upon his return and reaffirms to — thanks to a Council approved increase in the local gas tax, we this day, “I was just doing my job and what I was trained to do”. have made further progress in addressing the backlog of deferred And a minister who mentored me as a teenager and who always street maintenance; seemed to show up at the most difficult times periodically needed — an updated facilities plan was adopted for the wastewater to reassure me that, “Everything will be OK, it’s not the end of treatment plant that will assure the continued reputation of the the world”. None of these three leaders made the international facility as a model of sustainability and efficiency; highlight reel but they surely helped me and others whose lives they touched appreciate the virtues of enjoying life, maintaining — the 3rd/4th Connector, West University Neighborhood alleys, perspective, and doing the right thing. and countless other infrastructure capital improvements were You, too, have also once again been leaders in many ways through- completed; out the past year. Your contributions to the community are evident — more fabulous park improvements were completed and the everywhere you look and you have also been great leaders by being adoption of an updated Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan there for one another through our ups and downs. Together with is imminent; and the difficult but inevitable losses of friends, acquaintances, and family members, there have been new family additions welcomed — while we have a continuing need to resolve some longer term and new relationships born. At our house, we recently mourned operations and maintenance funding issues, our overall financial the passing of our family dog, a bassett hound who spent nearly picture is as encouraging as it has been for a number of years fifteen years with us, always smiling and ever the minimalist in thanks to your thoughtful fiscal stewardship. terms of his requirements. While it was difficult to say good-bye, And I continue to find uncommon strength in the ability of this all of the goofy things he did over the years will bring a smile in organization to pull together and support one another, whether the years to come and will remain in our book of memories forever. in pursuit of common goals or during the difficult times of loss May all of your own challenging times be tempered by the healing we have once again endured. We will continue to have our ups effect of fond memories and the comfort of wonderful friends. It is and downs and we have not yet resolved all of our strategic is- incredibly satisfying to be part of an organization that recognizes sues, but you collectively comprise a very very good organization how to properly celebrate successes together as well as how to nur- that somehow continues to get even better every year. As we look ture one another during the more difficult days. Your caring and toward the path that lies ahead, I have every confidence that you compassionate approach to public service and to one another ought are up to the challenges we are certain to encounter. to make the highlight reel every day. So we welcome 2007 with great anticipation of new challenges My wish for you at this time of reflection is that you find a tre- and opportunities to lead our organization and community yet mendous sense of pride in your past accomplishments and that further along this journey we share. The Eugene Public Works the new year brings you good health, personal and professional Annual Report will continue to memorialize an indescribably satisfaction, and peace….. impressive record of accomplishments. Thanks so much for con- tinuing to contribute to the Eugene highlight reel that makes this such a remarkable place to live and work! It is with the deepest gratitude and appreciation of all of your past efforts that I wish you and yours a joyous holiday season and a peaceful new year. Warmest and best personal regards— Reflections....(12/21/2004) to share stories with you. I look forward to the one-on-one and small group discussions, both at work and away from work, and I have found that one of my shortcomings is a dogged per- will do my best to get together more often in the coming year. sistence in looking ahead. As a result, I too often neglect to let all of you know how greatly appreciated you are for executing all of And we cried together —the tragic losses of family members and successes we see back along the road we have travelled together friends, serious illnesses, and saying so-long to the latest group to over time. Thankfully, a few of you have been good enough to reach their well-deserved retirements. I am particularly thank- remind me of that - 2004 has clearly been a year of high achieve- ful for the fellowship and caring nature of the people in this ment and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you organization who help us get through each of the difficult times, for making it so. though I often regret we have gotten so good at it.

I continue to be amazed at the depth and breadth of talent and Other factors like contract negotiations, an often-overly-critical commitment within our Public Works Department. Beginning public, internal restructuring to try and become even more effi- with the first day of the year - how could we forget the record cient, elections, persistent budget issues, the anxiety of war, and snowfall on New Years Day when dozens of you gave up a day other distractions have failed to knock us off course. Please never of family, football, feasting, warm fires, or other general rest and forget we are all in this together — a career in public works will relaxation to make the community safe and passable for everyone include days that unequivocally affirm your great career choice else. And the rest is history. As the year progressed, we had the and days that will make you wonder what you were thinking. On opportunity to deal with any number of crises that, in retrospect, balance, we always emerge from the dark days stronger, better, just reflect the can-do character of this organization. We made and smarter. significant progress in addressing our deferred street mainte- Now, as we look ahead to 2005, we can count on more high nance backlog, new parks were completed, major studies and achievements and more change: a continued effort to resolve plans were adopted, new commercial air service was added to funding problems; advancing the prospect of a new downtown the community, state and national awards and recognition rained hospital; more downtown redevelopment; doing things better/ down on the organization from Fleet to Parks & Open Space to cheaper/faster in order to continue doing more with less. We Wastewater and others. In preparation for her final City Council will see new faces and new energy on the City Council. We will work session a couple of weeks ago, Councilor Nancy Nathan- be asked to take on opportunities that haven’t been conceived son asked for a brief summary of major accomplishments of the yet. We will be challenged to deliver even higher quality service organization over the past few years. The list subsequently com- which will result in our growing and becoming even better. piled was so overwhelming that Nancy could only offer a heart- felt, “Thanks for all that you do!” Of tremendous significance to You collectively comprise the finest public works department in me was the invaluable role each of you played in the recognition the nation— but you are the department. Your individual contri- of Eugene Public Works as the 19th APWA-Accredited agency butions are what we are all about — the relationships we enjoy in North America and the first and only in Oregon. This is truly with one another and the community will keep us strong and the hallmark of excellence and I hope you will carry that recog- successful. So during this reflective time of year, my wish for you nition with pride throughout your careers - you made it possible. regardless of your personal belief is that a force that surpasses all understanding will carry you safely, peacefully, and successfully In 2004, we smiled together. Despite the untimely demise of through each day of the new year. the Wild Duck, there were golf tournaments, potlucks, informal gatherings, Public Works Day, and other opportunities to get Thank you for all that you do!