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My first bicycle was a Dutch one-speed that served me from the first grade all the way through high school.  I was reminded of that bike a few years ago while reading my grandmother’s diary from the year she lived with us when I was a child in the Netherlands.  Her diary entry just recounted my birthday and noted that I was really excited about the new bike I received from my parents.  The story reminded me of that day and all that the bike represented.

I know my memory is less reliable than I would like it to be, but … Continue Reading

I have really appreciated the kind comments I’ve received lately about this blog and my efforts to communicate with employees and others who may be interested in the city’s management.  I know after writing a column or blog almost every week for the past decade or so, I probably repeat myself on occasion and that I focus on a limited number of themes.  It’s good to know there is still some interest in these themes and that I write to a patient, tolerant audience.

This morning, I received a copy of the following e-mail message from David Shaw, our Human Resources … Continue Reading

Scott Rolen from our Human Resources Department stopped by my office yesterday to talk about our leadership training program and ask if I would be willing to conduct a class.  We talked about some ideas for the subject of the class before settling on a discussion of integrity.  Scott was then subjected to an unsolicited sermon on the topic.

I guess I believe it is a prerogative of age to lecture younger people regardless of whether they need or desire lecturing.  This belief may explain why so many older people spend a significant amount of time talking to themselves.

Self-proclaimed integrity is … Continue Reading

The City Council will be discussing two resolutions next Wednesday that express support for reforming how we pay for health care. Ordinarily, I advise the Council about what I think the results of their actions will be; but on this issue, I don’t have an informed opinion. I’ve read a fair number of articles and analyses and listened to various media reports. I used to work as the administrator of a not-for-profit medical clinic. Nonetheless, I don’t feel I have enough information to judge what reforms would be most beneficial.

… Continue Reading