Mayor-elect Terry Seitz’s statement regarding changes in the City of Jasper

Good morning. I come before you this morning to share news of the transition of government for the City of Jasper. Thanks to Mayor Schmitt and the current staff the transition has been – and will continue to be – very smooth. Because of our solid working relationship I am able to announce my staff appointments to you today, effective January 1, 2012.

When campaigning for office I often spoke of the strength of our community and that my role would be to build upon it. In addition, I said that I wasn’t the type of person to throw out the baby with the bath water. Coming into office with a citizens perspective rather than a government one, however, affords me the opportunity to blend new ideas and new leadership with familiar ones.

With that, let me introduce my staff, many of whom are present this morning. Please note that some of those named are subject to the approval of appropriate city boards and commissions. I have chosen to re-appoint the following personnel: Arts Director: Kit Miracle City Engineer: Chad Hurm Electric Distribution Manager: Jerry Schitter Electric Generation Manager: Windell Toby Fire Chief/Code Enforcement Officer: Kenny Hochgesang Gas & Water Manager: Mike Oeding (aiding) Mayor’s Assistant: Lois Kuntz Park & Recreation Director: Ken Buck Personnel/Safety & Loss Control Manager: Charlie Schneider Street Commissioner: Raymie Eckerle Assistant Street Commissioner: Jeff Theising Utility Manager: Bud Hauersperger Wastewater Manager: Ed Hollinden

I am pleased to have selected Michael Bennett as my Chief of Police and I am retaining Nathan Schmitt as Assistant Chief. Chief Bennett is joining our force from his current position as a Parole Agent for the State of Indiana following a career with the Indiana State Police including service as Assistant District Commander. I’d like to thank outgoing chief, Doug Tarvin, for his time as the department’s leader, his willingness to assist with the transition and his desire to continue his service as an officer for the City of Jasper.

The recent retirement of the City Building Commissioner has provided me with the opportunity to redefine this particular position. As this is often the first person to represent Jasper municipal government via public works, it is critical that we put our best foot forward each and every time. I envision this role to be much more than permits and paperwork. It is one which requires vision of what our city will look like in the future and the willingness to build the relationships to bring this vision to life.

I want the public to find the City of Jasper easy to do business with and my directive for this department is that it deliver the best customer service possible. I will ask the leader of this department to establish best practices for serving the public through it and related city staff including City Engineer Hurm, Street Commissioner Eckerle, Code Enforcement Officer Hochgesang and others We will be crafting an ordinance for this position and redefined department for submission to the Common Council.

Today I am announcing my intent to change the Building & Planning Commissioner position to Director of Community Development & Planning with the expectations that the duties will include:

Land use Economic development Redevelopment Comprehensive planning History and preservation Branding and marketing

And now, it is my pleasure to introduce the first Director of Community Development & Planning for the City of Jasper – Darla Blazey. I want to welcome Darla back to city leadership. She was formerly our Arts Director and she rejoins the city from her current role with the State of Indiana’s Office of Tourism Development and Indiana Festivals Association.