3 minute read
My First Year in Westerville
By Monica Irelan, Westerville City Manager
If I had to characterize my first year in Westerville, I would use two words: stop and start. If you started a new job anytime in the last two years, I think you know what I mean. There were moments we comfortably cruised— strong starts when programs and services were hitting their stride at a great pace. And then other times when the pandemic was loud and clear: stop, not quite yet.
That has made it much more difficult than anticipated to be in the places I wanted to be, meeting you and sharing this new administration’s vision for a growing Westerville. So I share my reflections here of how your City staff and I approached the year and where we believe we’re headed.
RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE PUBLIC SERVICES
At its most basic level, Westerville is your public service and program provider. Paving roads, distributing water and picking up trash and recycling are just a few of those responsibilities. Keeping those services operating reliably and efficiently is our responsibility; a promise we make and must keep. As we move further into a century meant to inspire technologies and innovations that help us perform these tasks, Westerville will also keep a human touch on how we impact the quality of life at home and around Central Ohio.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
One of my first acts as City Manager was to create a position for the City’s first-ever Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director. It is one step in a series for Westerville, after having passed non-discrimiation and ethnic intimidation legislation more than two years ago. With dedicated staff, a look at policy and representation will be next steps. This is important as cities across the U.S. continue discussions about what responsive government looks like in the modern civil rights and social justice age. Our role now is to form legislation and programs to support a safe, inclusive community for all genders, generations, races, religions and ethnicities.
Swearing in new police and fire employees during City Council meetings.
City Manager Monica Irelan and Assistant City Manager Jason Beechtold meet with the community during National Night Out.
CHOOSING GOOD GOVERNMENT
Good government builds consensus among diverse interests by focusing on the needs of the entire community rather than the interests of only a few. This is hard, but important work. The polarization of the nation at this moment is present at the local level. However, the advantage we have in Westerville is the Council/Manager form of government. This means City staff members are nonpartisan and nonpolitical and oversee the day-today business of Westerville in an ethical, efficient and transparent manner. I report to Westerville City Council, who are the legislative body setting policy, establishing goals and approving the budget.
BUILDING ON OUR MOMENTUM
Westerville has evolved from a town of activists that forced a U.S. constitutional change during Prohibition to one that now has a very popular designated outdoor refreshment area (or DORA) in our historic Uptown district. We have a talented workforce and strong job opportunities and our commercial districts (Westar, Uptown) are vibrant and growing. We’re feeding that momentum every day to protect the people and property that make us Westerville. On a personal note, I will remember 2021 forever for the milestones in my son’s life, moving from one house to another...TWICE, buying a new home and, of course, starting this job and watching these opportunities unfold. Yes, I packed a “few” major life events into a few months, which were rich in lessons and experiences.
My husband, Steve, and our one-year-old Noah are thriving in this community. We love our home and neighborhood, and we love Westerville. I look forward to seeing you more in 2022, with the hope and optimism the pandemic loosens its grip even more and together we “start” a brand new year.
