New Linden city manager to start soon
Lee Elliot will soon be taking over the reins in the new position that incorporates the Linden City Manager and Economic Developer. Elliot hopes to bring his broad executive-level city government experience to help the Linden community.
“Linden is a beautiful community, says Elliot, “set in a very pretty region of Texas. Having performed consulting and interim services for 7 years, and being a native East Texan, I was ready to come home and become a member of a community. Being close to my fiancée, who lives in Texarkana, is a major perk.”
Elliot goes on to say that “the cultural history of Linden is such a positive. The selection committee in the interview process was open and honest, about the strengths and weaknesses, of the community. There was consensus that the community wanted to improve the strengths and fix the challenges (opportunities). I embrace challenges and enjoy assisting communities in moving in positive directions.”
Elliot’s background consists of being an “economic development director, chief administrative officer, personnel director, public works director, assistant city manager, city administrator, city manager, as well as consulting services and interim services over the last 7 years.”
“I have worked or consulted in 5 different states, and multiple regions of Texas. I graduated from New Boston High School and the University of Central Arkansas. I am engaged to Rebecca Harris, have a short and hairy 15.5-year-old son Oscar (a dachshund). I am from New Boston,” says Elliot.
Elliot believes in honesty all the way around. “One aspect of any successful city government and community is transparency, honesty, controlling the “controllables”, hard work and linking your decisions to community bought into strategic plans. A shared vision provides a community’s citizenry with a game plan to buy into and be able to celebrate obtained victories. Linking your budgets to the vision helps deliver results desired. Serving as the economic development director, expanding the local economic base is imperative. Providing the highest level of services for the lowest cost is imperative to keep the community on a solid footing.”
“If your citizenry feels safe and are provided quality services-good results are incubated,” continued Elliot. “The glaring item needing addressed are the current street conditions. With streets being expensive, in poor condition currently, we will need to be open to many approaches to find the most cost-efficient ways to improve the condition of the street network.”
Elliot looks to serve the community soon. His first day will be on Wednesday, June 16th. “There are a multitude of things to like about Linden. The people care about the community, and the local culture is proud of its history. Linden is set in a beautiful natural environment and has a lot of upward mobility. Having an economic development sales tax is huge positive. The music culture, awesome downtown properties, architecture of the residences, local mom and pop businesses, a great school district (go Tigers!) all lend to positive results. An important item for me is the local food is amazing!!”