Q&A: Incoming, outgoing officials talk about the job

CLOVIS — The city manager position is in transition, with Larry Fry leaving at the end of the month and Tom Phelps less than a week into his interim appointment in the position.

A reception is set for Tuesday in the city hall assembly room for Fry, who has been with the city for two years.

Q: What was the most challenging aspect of your role and why?

A: It's a very enjoyable job to have an impact on your community. There are always challenges, but Clovis has been cooperative and welcoming as a community.

Q: What will you miss most about your position?

A: Mostly I will miss working with the people. When I got in municipal government 25 years ago, I believed working with a fine group of employees and officials would make Clovis a better place.

Q: How do you feel about the direction Clovis is going in?

A: I think it has continued to move forward in a positive direction on the right path.

Q: What decision do you most wish you could revisit in your two years?

A: Things don't always turn out the way you'd like. You always just try to do the best you can. The blizzard (winter storm Goliath), for example, was a challenge. It tested our limit see how people respond to trial and testing.

Q: Where to next?

A: You know, I'm really not sure. I'm retiring because of the state retirement system. I would be making almost as much retired as working.

Phelps, the former CEO of Plateau, is working for a municipality for the first time.

Q: What is the biggest difference in public work after you spent so long in the private industry?

A: Well, I've been here a grand total of four days. Obviously from a private perspective, you're dealing with profit and generating income. With a governmental agency, it's about providing effective services.

Q: What do you think will be your biggest challenge moving forward?

A: It'll be a challenge to adjust, being directed toward a profit. I want to be an efficient steward of our taxes.

Q: What one issues will take up more of your time that expected?

A: At this point, I don't know. I have been making the rounds meeting with department heads. I am halfway through the organizations, meeting staff and learning about challenges and opportunities they are facing.

Q: How do you think your experience will benefit you?

A: It's just a matter of delving deeper into the over all operations and making sure I understand everything. I want to provide as effective service as I can from a private perspective.

Q: How do you like your first week so far?

A: It's interesting. I am enjoying it. I am extremely impressed by the people who want to do a good job and serve our citizens. It makes me excited to take on this role.