Published: May 19, 2009 04:09 pm      

Hamilton to make listening his priority

Chelsea L. McGowan

cmcgowan@weatherforddemocrat.com

James Hamilton knows coming into a city council with new ideas and a fresh outlook can sometimes lead to some tension. And the newly-elected Weatherford councilman thinks tension might be the best thing in the world for the leadership of a growing city.

“I think there will be a healthy tension on the council, and I think that’s a good thing,” Hamilton said the day before being sworn into office. “No one wants a bunch of ‘yes men’ representing them. There are a variety of folks in this community, and we’re elected to represent all those people. Each of the council members comes from somewhat different backgrounds, and I’m looking forward to working with each of them.”

Hamilton defeated long-time council member Clem Smith in the May 9 election, garnering 45.9 percent of the votes.

By day, Hamilton serves as a high school teacher in Millsap ISD. While his students enjoy their summer break, Hamilton said he intends to use his extra time to really get in touch with the Weatherford voters he wants to represent.

“During the campaign, I made two promises,” he said. “One was to listen to the concerns of the citizens, and the other was to actually have listening sessions. In June and July, I’ll be getting to work on those listening sessions. I will be making a point to be in every neighborhood in Weatherford. We’ll find a way to publicize it so everyone knows. Maybe we’ll have a block party. Maybe someone will open their home. But everyone will have the opportunity to tell me what’s important to them.”

Hamilton said he feels these listening sessions are an absolute priority, as they will give the citizens a more direct voice in their government.

“I want people to know I’m not going into this position with any agenda,” he said. “I just want to listen. I don’t think the city has done enough to listen to the heart of the community ... to hear where we want to go, and how we want to grow. This summer, I’m going to be around, and I hope people will take advantage of that.”

Comparing municipal finances to a home budget, Hamilton said the council should make it a priority to get its money’s worth when it comes to city services.

“There are so many issues that need to be addressed, but I think primarily, getting the city’s financial house in order is really important,” he said. “Like individual families, the city has not made the kind of interest income we’re used to, because of the economy. The coffers are not bare, by any means, but we need to find ways to take care of the city’s obligations and give our citizens the most bang for their buck.”

When it comes to directing city staff, Hamilton said he feels confident the current group is the right one to lead Weatherford into the future.

“I’m very, very pleased with our city staff,” he said. “Jerry Blaisdell is exactly who we need to manage us at this time. I’ve known all these council members, at least by reputation, for many years. I think each member of the city and staff bring different strengths to the table, and together, we can really do great things for this city.”

After the signs are down and the balloons deflated, Hamilton said he’s most determined to make sure his fellow Weatherford residents know his campaign promises weren’t empty.

“The city is facing some very big issues,” he said. “It’s easy, during a campaign, to say ‘I’ll do this’ or ‘I’ll do that,’” he said. “But now it’s time to get to work. It’s daunting, but I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and demonstrate the skills the people of Weatherford saw in me. I’m ready to make some differences.”