FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- Fairfield welcomed a new city administrator this month, and though he's only been in town a few weeks, Kevin Flanagan said he already feels at home.
Flanagan was born in Northeast Georgia, owned a business and worked in construction and development services in the area before starting in city government in Denison, Iowa in 2009. When the job in Fairfield opened up, he saw a great opportunity he couldn't pass up.
Like any city, Fairfield presents its challenges, notably improving the sewer system and the development of a recreation center.
"Both of those things we feel like are a big part of economic development, bringing competition into town, they're going to look at your amenities, your school system, your library... [and] in this state, certainly, your indoor recreation capabilities and pools," Flanagan said. "So obviously waste water related directly to what kind of business you're able to bring in and your capability to deal with that growth on a sustainable level, so I think those are the two big things we're looking at and all the other things for all the other cities you would see falling into place after that."
As for the most rewarding part of the job, Flanagan said it is the opportunity to live in a welcoming community like Fairfield.
"It's a family-friendly city and lots and lots of things for kids to do already, much less what we're hoping to add," he said. "[The] Sondheim Center, our arts and cultural facility, is just wonderful, lot of different offerings there. As I mentioned, the Friday Art Walks and stuff. That's probably the most rewarding thing is just being part of the community, being able to enjoy all these public events and a sense of camaraderie that comes with being a part of the community and first thing people do is welcome you home when you come here because that's what it's like, you feel right at home."
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