Director Departures

Two of the most experienced hands in the city were honored today by the Board of Alderman for decades of service to the city; Director of the Streets Department Jim Suelmann and Budget Director Frank Jackson.

Are there two subjects that elicit more consistent and explicit commentary from residents? Doubtful. These two have likely been subjected to strings of adjectives that would make a sailor blush.

Jackson ran the books in the City Budget Department for 28 years serving as an analyst, budget manager, deputy director and finally, for the past 11 years, as director.

Suelmann served as Director of the Department of Public Utilities and, since 1985, as the Director of the Department of Streets. Suelmann is wrapping up 28 years of plowing snow and filling potholes.

“In the last 28 years, we have gone through more mayors than directors,” said Aldermanic President James Shrewsbury introducing Suelmann.

Suelmann thanked the board and his family saying this year he could guarantee he would be home on Christmas.

Alderman Alfred Wessels said the day brought good news and bad news. The bad news is that Jackson was leaving. The good news, he said, “he has finished the '07-'08 budget.”

Jackson's tenure as director was marked by his ability to bash out a balanced budget every year, despite the city's ongoing financial balancing act.

As yet [11 a.m.], successors have not been named. Ideas?

Update: Steve Patterson spotted word on Suelmann's replacement at the Mayor's website.