By Lori EhdeNew City Administrator Greg Lafond doesn’t officially start until Sept. 2, but he’s been spending time in Luverne getting to know the community and the people he’ll be working with.He stopped at the Star Herald office Thursday, Aug. 14, to talk about his plans and expectations for the job.Lafond comes to Luverne after working as treasurer and clerk for the city of Altoona, Wis., a 7,800 population suburb of Eau Claire, Wis.On his resume, he lists 30 years of experience in government work, stemming from a political science degree from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.Early in his career, he worked for a Wisconsin legislator and then for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.In recent years, he established a financial consulting business, working with both public and private agencies.With this professional background, Lafond said he’s picked up some valuable management techniques — particularly in personnel management — he plans to apply in Luverne."What many municipalities struggle with is personnel management," Lafond said. "When you consider 80 percent of your budget is salaries, you better make it your No. 1 priority in terms of management."Specifically, he plans to encourage government officials to seek citizen input."We need to understand a couple of things in city government," Lafond said. "Residents and citizens are our customers, as in any business — and this is a business — and you need to provide service that’s acceptable and at times exceptional."Lafond plans to join local civic organizations, visit churches and, in general, immerse himself in the community."I’m not a three-piece-suit guy," he said. "My home phone number is on my business card.At the same time, Lafond said he hopes resident participation in local government will also improve."I’m disappointed that more people didn’t participate in last night’s (Aug. 13) comprehensive plan meeting," he said. "We should have a broader cross section represented."The comprehensive plan will be an immediate priority for Lafond."Luverne is at a key point right now," he said. "The comprehensive plan will establish the economic plan and financial modeling of the city for the next seven to 10 years."In addition to reaching out to residents, Lafond plans to strengthen city relationships with the county, school district and Chamber of Commerce.Lafond said he was attracted to Luverne for a number of reasons. "Luverne has some tremendous assets," he said, mentioning the school system, parks and the Pool and Fitness Center. "These three things can be used as the basis for economic development," he said.He also listed the new hospital project, Luverne’s location on major highways, its recreational opportunities and historical features as other strengths.On the personal side, he’s 55 years old, single and the father of two grown sons, one of which works for the Wisconsin DNR and the other is completing his doctorate in international finance."I love to hunt and fish, and I play a little golf … If anyone wants to play for money, let me know," he said, describing his hobbies.Lafond makes it clear he’ll go out of his way to be accessible to both city staff and local residents, but he makes a few "sacred" exceptions: During the first week of January he’ll be in his condo in Cancun, Mexico, and in the second week of June he’ll be fishing in Canada.Lafond encouraged residents, business people and local government workers and officials to get in touch with him early on. "The door’s open," he said.
