Oh, Schmidt!
In these days of rampant anti-government “throw the bums out” sentiments, I was sorry to find out about the pending departure of Milton’s city administrator Todd Schmidt.
I can hear some of you cracking your knuckles right now, ready to attack your keyboards and flame me for defending the person who brought Milton a smelly ethanol plant. I disagree. Todd Schmidt has been good for Milton.
Three years of sitting on Milton’s plan commission gave me opportunities to work with the man. We didn’t agree on every issue (can you say “sidewalk to nowhere”?) and I poked fun at him and the city in print a few times. But Todd has a strong economic development mindset that was a big positive for the city.
He leaves a long list of accomplishments. The growth of Milton’s east side industrial park. The ideas and the process that have resulted in the Goodrich Square planning. The merger of organizations that formed MACCIT, the new Milton Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. His “Milton Matters” blog, the much improved city web site and the e-mailed monthly reports that increased communication between the city and its residents. I’m just scratching the surface.
From working with him, I can tell you that Todd is a very smart guy who thoroughly understands how planning and development works and brought a lot to the table for this city. And he even played some mean drums on the MACCIT float a few years ago during the July 4 parade. But best of all, he cared. He cared about the fortunes of this city and worked to make it a successful community that was a great place to live.
Milton’s loss is Waunakee’s gain. Thanks for all your hard work, Todd. The ethanol plant may stink, but you don’t. You will be missed.
Aug 21, 2010 at 8:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
I can hear some of you cracking your knuckles right now - Seem your prediction was as good as the weatherman.
Aug 18, 2010 at 9:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
Yada.....get the paper!
Aug 18, 2010 at 8:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
Jim you would make a mighty fine city adminstrator..
Aug 18, 2010 at 8:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
Oh, please don't invite the comments regarding the ethanol plant to start all over again. Since this started, there have been enough comments on this website to paper an entire house. This article isn't about the ethanol plant. Thanks.
Aug 18, 2010 at 6:22 a.m.
Suggest removal
Since I don't get the newspaper - my friend told me about several closed meetings regarding the building of the ethanol plant in 2004 or 2005. Did they really have those meetings? Just wondering who held the meetings? Maybe some of the neighbors of the ethanol plant would like to comment here.
Aug 17, 2010 at 9:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Oh so sad...I hate that I found out this way...I thought I had an in! The job as City Administrator is a tough one. You can never please everyone so you have to be thick skinned. I hope the next Administrator is as social as Todd and his family have been in our community! We will miss the entire family.
Aug 17, 2010 at 8:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
Of course Todd's a good guy ... all us Elkhorn grads are :)
Aug 17, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
You're right on all accounts, Jim. As another Miltonite, I think we're really going to miss him!
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.