Centralia City Manager Kory Smith reached the one year mark in his new job on Tuesday. Smith moved from Centralia City Attorney to the City Manager’s job last April following a succession of short term city managers and acting city managers.
“I am very happy. I really do look forward to coming to work. A lot of that is contributed to the people I work with. They are very smart and kind and at the end of the day they are making sure they are doing the best jobs for the community. I am happy and content and hoping I can do a good job.”
Smith looked back at the biggest accomplishments during his first year.
“Our department heads, Police and Fire Chief situated. Getting them in their roles, familiarized with what they are and what they are doing and trying to get them the tools they need. Our expectations are always to look ahead. The Water Treatment Plant is very much in our target.”
Smith says the goal in his second year is to get funding in place to allow the $21-million dollar project to move forward. He says there are several other priority issues as well.
“Revitalize downtown. That has always been a hot topic and people are wanting to see. And infrastructure in the community making sure the tax dollars are spent in a way that is reflected within the community.”
Smith says housing needs and work force development, which he sees tied to one another, will be a big issue addressed in the city’s new comprehensive plan.
Smith admits the city has challenges and they may have different ideas to solve them, but he feels everyone’s heart on the city staff is in the right place and they share a common end goal of ‘make Centralia a better place’.
