During a recent government meeting, a candidate for the city manager position in Benton Harbor outlined their strategic approach to budget management and community engagement. The candidate emphasized the importance of prioritizing tasks that require significant time and energy, advocating for a systematic method of tracking progress through written lists.

With a robust background in budget and finance, the candidate detailed their experience in creating and managing budgets for various programs, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) initiatives. They highlighted their role in establishing a tracking mechanism for expenditures in previous positions, which led to improved financial oversight and community revitalization efforts.

Looking ahead, the candidate shared their plans for the first 180 days in office, which include gaining a comprehensive understanding of the city's budget and fostering relationships with city commissioners, the mayor, and residents. They stressed the importance of open communication with citizens to better understand their needs and concerns, positioning themselves as a bridge between the community and city officials.

The candidate identified maintaining strong relationships with citizens and city leadership as a top priority, alongside upholding their integrity throughout their tenure. They expressed confidence that a commitment to transparency and accountability would enable them to effectively fulfill the expectations of the community and the commission.