Leadership Temple, Temple City Government: A WEll Oiled Machine

Leadership Temple Class of 2023 Participants Jodi Brazeal, Jentry Davis, & Caleb Smith

Learning about the inner workings of the community by “taking a look under
the hood” is crucial in setting a foundation for future and current community
leaders. The Leadership Temple (LT) Class of 2023 had the opportunity to see
how the “well-oiled machine” that is the City of Temple operates on Sep. 13,
2022.

An informative meet and greet with Temple Mayor Tim Davis and City Councilmember
Susan Long started the day. The morning continued with presentations
from several City Leaders - City Manager Brynn Myers, Finance Director
Traci Barnard, and Performance Excellence Director Stacey Hawkins.

The experience, leadership, and details in the presentations highlighted the
time, talent, and energy it takes to run the City of Temple. Most noteworthy
was not the management or the processes but the passion each leader demonstrated
about what they do and how their contributions enable the City to
thrive.

The morning concluded with Parliamentary Procedure 101 and a Mock City
Council meeting led by Deputy City Secretary Liz Caraway and City Attorney
Kathy Davis.

“Even role-playing as Temple Mayor, I gained a greater understanding of how to
lead an effective City Council meeting,” noted Caleb Smith, First United Bank &
Trust and LT Class of 2023 participant.

A tour of Temple Water Treatment Plant (WTP) with WTP Division Director
Colton Migura kicked off the afternoon. The group learned about the process
of drawing surface water from the Leon River, treatment, all the way to the
consumer. They also heard first-hand the role this division plays in providing
adequate water supply to meet current and projected demands. This critical
city infrastructure is another essential function that happens everyday to “keep
the machine running”.

“I was fascinated by the Water Treatment Plant tour, and I have a newfound
appreciation for what all goes into assuring we have safe and clean water,”
remarked Jodi Brazeal, Magnolia Realty Temple-Belton and LT Class of 2023
participant.

To conclude the day, Leadership Temple headed to the Historic Post Office for
presentations from Parks & Recreation Department Assistant Director Chuck
Ramm, Housing & Community Development Director Nancy Glover, and Transform
Temple Director Buford Craig.

“My eyes were opened by the numerous programs our city offers,” commented
Jentry Davis, Temple Area Builders Association and LT Class of 2023 participant.
“There are so many opportunities to serve the community and be able to
make a difference.”
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Leadership Temple left the days event with a greater understanding and appreciation
for all that goes into the “well-oiled machine” that is the City of Temple.