New City Planner

[kralspaces]

This is it? http://www.roswell-record.com/main.asp?SectionID=49&SubSectionID=112&ArticleID=44139

That is all the information we get about a new city planner? Where is the rest of the report? Who is this guy and what is his connection to Roswell? Some background please!

If the RDR isn't going to inform the residents of this town, then TR will just have to do their own digging of information. Maybe it's time to dig into why Zach Montgomery really left town.

I will presonally introduce myself to Michael Vickers to find out for myself where he is really coming from and what he sees for Roswell's future, just like I did with Zach Montgomery when I came to town in 2005.

[chief26]

And government run health care is a good idea

And appointing czars we don't know is a good idea

And trying to get Bill Richardson into a cabinet post is a good idea (oh wait I liked that one he would have been out of New Mexico)

Government on every level has become vague to say the least. The city planner position, maybe now that it has been filled he can be invited to visit TR and maybe even come to a TRAC meeting and personally introduce himself.

Shhh don't tell him we will all be watching:nasty:

[1rs]

There was a Michael Vickers that is listed as graduate of GHS in 2001. That Michael Vickers is the son of a local attorney Ellis Vickers (?) and the grandson of Slaytons. I don't know if this is the same person but maybe so.

[kralspaces]

All I know is that Michael Vickers was originally from Roswell according to the RDR. When I goggled on his name from Roswell NM I got the 2001 graduate from Goddard High School and the reference to his father business. I can’t believe a 26 year old would have the experience that this city needs in order to transform it to where it needs to be. We must have the wrong person.

Assistant City Manager Siri Cooper (a double dipper) estimated there were about a dozen applicants for the position, and said Vickers was selected because of his urban planning experience in the private sector. Well there you go, it just can’t be the same person. After high school and college that leaves about 4 years experience. If he can transform urban Roswell like the City of Denver has then he will get my vote. Roswell vs Denver are two different worlds.

"Any time you're looking at growth or infill as a community it's very important to secure the best growth and infill for your community," Cooper said. This makes no sense to me. If I were to guess, I would have to say she is referring to the kid.

She said Vickers will play an important role in the upcoming decennial census as well as the review of several zoning ordinances. That’s it? They could have hired me to do that.

Las Cruces did it right. They hired a 'pro' and he has transformed that city big time. Of course, he managed to get the support of City Hall and not the other way around.

[Daisy]

That Michael Vickers is the son of a local attorney Ellis Vickers (?) and the grandson of Slaytons.

It wouldn't surprise me if this is the Michael Vickers chosen for the city planner job. He'd be young, inexperienced and easily molded to fit in with the "others". Stranger things have happened here in Roswell...... :rolleyes:

[mfish]

The hens come home to roost ... I'd be willing to bet that this is Ellis' son.

[fordy9]

I know him and I think he will do well,given the chance. He did a double degree in international business and Spanish, class president of GHS in 2001 and maybe all four years of high school? Traveled to Spain for year to become fluently bilingual and graduated on time in Texas Tech and as a member of beta theta pi fraternity. I know there is much confusion but I know Mike and he has always stayed focused no matter what, im sure he may seem under qualified because of his age but those are just the few traits I mentioned above and that's only the tip of the iceberg for him, im sure there are plenty more to accomplishments to mention.

[Daisy]

Thanks for the input, fordy9! You mentioned some of his accomplishments, but is he an honest, fair and upstanding kind of guy? That's what we need here in Roswell even more than the impressive resume.

I wish him luck in his new position!! :smk3:

[fordy9]

He is a stand up guy,of course you know the GOB's (good old boy's) network tends to work things to their advantage regardless of who you are or what position you hold...

[1rs]

Let's hope that he can stand up to the nonsense that goes on.

[kralspaces]

The last two City Planners had Type ‘A’ personalities based on my experiences with them. However, neither held that characteristic with the City Manager, their boss. In order for this new City Planner to plan and move this city in a positive direction, the City Manager has to be replaced. If that doesn't happen, our new young City Planner will get frustrated won't get anything accomplished.

In order to get rid of our current City Manager, we first have to replace City Council with people who are not 'yes' people, starting with the Mayor and down though all 10 councilors. It may not be necessary to get rid of all the councilors if they can show some strength in unity to remove the City Manager. For me, that is the key. The City Manager has to be replaced with someone who is not a disciple of Capps.

[kralspaces]

I stopped in to introduce myself to the new City Planner yesterday. We had a brief conversation and I was trying to see where he would be coming from. He made a few comments that leads me to believe that City Hall has already bitten off the first 3 letters of his progressive position toward city redevelopment. He also seemed very guarded in what he did tell me. This all could be from being the new kid (literally) on the block nervousness.

His #1 priority is the census and how important it is to get to the 50,000 barrier because the city doesn’t have any money (where have we heard that before) and this would be a big boost for development. One has to wonder where all this information comes from if he has only been on the job for a week. The kid has a long way to go in his new city position and we all could really help him along by getting John Capps out of his way.

[mfish]

Maybe your reputation preceded you ...?:smk3:

[kralspaces]

He had no idea who I was, but rest assured, he does now. That is why I visited him immedaitely before the rumors did. Remember the cereal commercials "Lets let Mickey try it first." That is now the reality here is Roswell. I do wish the kid much success here. He was used to it in Denver.

[IllPatriot]

Mike is a great guy with a good head on his shoulders. He will do a great job. We should be more worried about the new city council woman! What is Sam thinking...

[jsatterfield]

Sam doesn’t think that’s his problem, Sam’s is not used to having people talk back to him or having people complain about his work. Brain dead people don’t complain a lot.:pinch:

[saw]

My concern would be if he is good he won't be here long because I know that Capps will only pay bottom dollar. He has been looking for a $10 per hour electrician for about three years now.

Zack was making about $48,500 when he left here and I bet that Capps tried to hire someone for less than $38,000. When I find out I will let you know.

[kralspaces]

The problem is not Mike Vickers or Marilynn Manatt. The problem is John Capps.

[kralspaces]

Mike is a great guy with a good head on his shoulders. He will do a great job. We should be more worried about the new city council woman! What is Sam thinking...

I thought about this a bit this morning and maybe we should recruit a completely younger generation to start replacing all those old farts down at City Hall. Michael Vickers could be the first. Illpatriot could be the second as a city councilor in Ward 1 running against ‘whatever the Mayor was thinking’ appointment, and so on, and so on…