Mayor Tim Wagener’s
State of the City Address
2010
Chamber of Commerce
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Several months ago, I participated in an exit conference of
the City of Maumee’s financial health, given by auditors of the state of
Ohio. It was indeed an eye opening
experience and yet it confirmed what I had long suspected. That your city
government was in much better financial condition than most in Ohio and you, its
citizens, had rightfully entrusted its operation by true professionals who were
dedicated and knowledgeable in administrating the day to day operations of this
city. As mayor, it is difficult to put
into words the pride I felt at that very moment, not for myself, but on behalf
of the citizens of Maumee, City Council and everyone who shares our passion for
this city that we love and have committed our best efforts to not only preserving
the legacy and history entrusted to us, but in creating our own legacy to leave
for those future citizens of this great community.
When I begin the annual ritual of writing a State of the
City address, I request from our Directors a list of what they perceive as the
accomplishments of the year and their goals for the current year. This year was no exception. However, instead
of presenting you with that traditional list today, In the interest of time I
will offer copies to anyone at your request.
Let me expedite this process by saying that much has been accomplished
and yet many challenges await us. Most
of the difficulties that present themselves do indeed, with thoughtful
attention, patience and foresight, have solutions. One very strong example of such issues that
were a major success this past year is that with thoughtful targeted cutbacks,
with retirement incentives and through
attrition, I am very proud to say that I have not had to sign paperwork to lay
off a single employee of this city. Not
adding to the destruction of families is something of which we can all be proud.
Today we witness a nation, state governments and a political
world in transition, attempting to find its way in a proverbial political
minefield. I am proud that we in Maumee
continue a long tradition of non- attack politics, we don’t exploit the
weaknesses of those with whom we disagree but celebrate each other strengths
for the betterment of all.
As we continue to find the solutions to the financial
challenges that await us, you may rest assured that great care will be taken
through this process. With your help in
the business community along with a responsive and thoughtful City Council and
an administration that will continue to fight the good fight to preserve our
cities legacy Maumee will continue to keep true to the words spoken by our
executive director of this Chamber, Brenda Clixby in her comments during our
All America City presentation and I paraphrase in saying “we all agree that
Maumee has never looked better”.
Rest assured that with your help and commitment, this City
will continue to thrive and face whatever difficulties the future may have for
us with pride and an unrivaled compassion for her citizens.
God Bless You All.