Urban Renewal Director

I recently posted an item on this site concerning the Northglenn Urban Renewal Authority’s membership. The same posting was sent to the Sentinel as a letter to the editor. Recently, the Board took another step which reaffirms my belief that the Authority should be abolished and the duties taken over by the Council.
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At the Mayor’s request, the Chairman of NURA convinced the Board to appoint the temporary, interim City Manager, Leslie Cullen, as its Executive Director. Recently I sent the Mayor and Council a copy of her application for the purpose of demonstrating that she does not have the knowledge or experience to be the Deputy Manager or interim Manager. I now add NURA Interim Executive Director to the list.
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I would like to recommend that the Board appoint a person with some knowledge and experience as soon as possible. For 25 years Pat Breitenstein served the City well in the planning, zoning and development fields. When I was appointed to NURA Pat was the Executive Director. In 2004, Pat was one of the many laid off. It didn’t take long for the City Manager to realize that he had made a mistake. Pat was rehired on a part-time basis for a specific project and then brought back full-time. Pat should be appointed Director today. He can handle the position and his other duties with the City easily.
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As an alternative to Pat, we have an icon on the City staff that is planning on retiring to part-time this year. I’m speaking of long time economic development genius and special projects officer, Jerry Starling. Jerry has too much talent and knowledge for the City to loose.
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I have not talked to either of them but urge the Mayor and Council to do their normal thing and tell NURA to appoint one as Executive Director.