April 1 is the perfect time to announce a May 1 career changeI’ve been told the best time to look for a job is when you’re happily employed.I love it here at the Star Herald, but I’ll be leaving the paper at the end of the month for new opportunities.Change can be a good thing for everyone, and after almost 11 years here as editor, both I and the paper are probably way overdue.Starting May 1, I’ll be working as the new Community Relations Officer in the Luverne City Administrator’s Office.My job duties, among other things, will be to serve as a liaison between City Hall and representatives in other local governments and the community.It’s no secret that public relations has been a weak point for our city officials, and I hope to change that in my new position.The theory is that even though the city and county actually have similar goals for the community, poor diplomacy — or lack of it — has stymied efforts at any real progress toward those goals.Through more than 10 years of covering city and county government, I bring some knowledge to the position, and, if nothing else, will be able to effectively communicate on key topics.After playing the role of public watchdog for the press, I look forward to working side-by-side with city officials on the same issues, this time working with them on the same team.At a time when budgets are tight, I admire the city for recognizing the importance of developing this position, and I thank you, the city taxpayers, for helping to pay for my salary— a modest $55,785.89, plus benefits.Meanwhile, though, the career transition will be painful.Of all the fun and interesting jobs out there, I’d say heading up a community paper ranks among the most rewarding.Being able to do that in my home county makes it even more rewarding. In fact, reader feedback is one of the things I’ll miss the most about this work. There are fewer things more satisfying than getting a thank-you card (real, hand-written snail mail) from someone telling me my writing has touched their lives.I’ll also miss working on new stories that put me in touch with people I may not have otherwise had a chance to meet.I’ll miss our Thursday morning news meetings, where we spend more time catching up on each other than we spend planning the next week’s paper.I won’t miss the late Tuesday news deadlines or weekend photo assignments.I won’t miss correcting errors in obituaries and anniversary announcements.And I really won’t miss having to write sad stories about tragic losses among local families. Having said all that, and since the date today is April 1, I must add …… April fool, readers! This column is a spoof. It’s not unthinkable that I’d make a career move, but, and someday maybe I’ll actually be brave enough to do that.Until then, readers, we’ll continue our small-town news adventures together.Sorry to get your hopes up, City Councilmen. … We’re having way too much fun to change things now.
