Throughout my career, I have heard several times, "Gary, I would not have your job for any amount of money in the world." City Managers have to live in a fish bowl with their lives, actions, successes and failures magnified publicly through an active media and communications network.  

   Every night you go to sleep with the weight of the well-being of 350 employees, 28,616 citizens and thousands of businesses on your shoulders. You are required to work in a changing, and sometimes volatile, political arena on a daily basis. Additionally, if you are a good City Manager, who strives to achieve, many people will be critical of your successes and sometimes threatened by your changes.

   So, why would a normal, well-adjusted person want such a demanding and difficult position?

   The reason is very simple. To me, as to many, City Management is a calling. I believe I am here for a reason and that reason is important. It seems most appropriate here, at the threshold of Christmastime, to recall the words of Mother Teresa that best exemplify the motivation that drives me, and many of us, to careers in public service.

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered; 

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; 

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; 

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; 

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; 

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; 

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; 

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; 

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God; 

   Very few of us, in this life, can achieve the same level of service to their fellow man as the author of these words. Yet, we can all aspire to serve our community, whatever that means to each of us, in an effort to leave behind a better place than we inherited. In service to others, if you're doing it right, you won't get rich, you probably won't be recognized for your efforts and people may suspect your intentions.

   Serve anyway.

   And, Merry Christmas!

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Upon the request of the Dallas Water Utilities, the City's water provider, Farmers Branch City Manager Gary Greer has announced "Voluntary Water Conservation" measures, as specified in stage 1 of the City's Drought Contingency Plan, will be initiated January 1.

   Stage 1 voluntary conservation calls for reductions in:

> Frequency of watering new and first-year landscaping and foundations.

> Frequency of washing or rinsing of vehicles and recommended use of bucket/container, handheld hose with positive shutoff valve or commercial car wash.

> Excessive runoff from landscape areas.

> Frequency in draining and refilling of swimming pools and ornamental fountains.

> Hosing off paved areas, buildings, windows or other surfaces.

All other non-essential water use.

   "We're relying on citizens to voluntarily continue to reduce water use when and where they can, according to these guidelines," he said. "Although January 1 will be the official implementation date, we're always asking our residents to be water smart.

   "Use what you need and save the rest."

WASHINGTON, D.C. ~ Following the renewal of his credentials by the International City County Management Association, Farmers Branch City Manager Gary D. Greer has been named one of the top 13 managers of the 1,215 credentialed by ICMA.

City Manager Gary D. Greer

   Professional City Managers must submit an annual report each year to renew credentials, detailing 40 hours of professional development during the previous year.  

   "This year, many ICMA members demonstrated learning and commitment to professional development," ICMA officials said in a prepared statement. "But 13 took reflection on their learning to a higher level. The Credentialing Advisory Board recognizes (13) ICMA Credentialed Managers for excellence."  

   Mr. Greer is one of only 65 credentialed managers, and one of only two in the top 13, from Texas.
 He has been City Manager in Farmers Branch since 2007 following leadership positions in other cities in Kansas, Nebraska and Texas. 

Name:  Ben Solis 

Position: Crew Leader

Department: Parks

Years with the City: 7 yrs   

Background: I grew up in Farmers Branch and am a graduate of RL Turner High School. I have worked as a manager for various companies some 32 years and am proud to have worked for the Parks and Recreation Department for the last 7 years. I love my family and devote all my time away from work to them. My bride, Trisha, and I have been married for 34 years and have raised two great sons. Jeremy is a student at TCU and in January will deploy as a medic in the Army National Guard to Dubai, Africa. Chad is ranked No. 1 out of 1,022 students academically at Lewisville High School where he plays in the drum line. 

What Do You Like Most About Working for the City of Farmers Branch? I played as a young boy at Mallon Park and I brought my kids to play there too! Mallon is one of the Parks I maintain and I take personal pride in providing a place where future generations can grow a family. I am glad that I can contribute to the Parks and Recreation team that has so much skill and talent.

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