February 20, 2023 at 11:52 a.m.
New city administrator eager for challenge, opportunity
New city administrator eager for challenge, opportunity
Rhinelander, he said, "is a great-sized town with a little bit of everything" and most importantly the residents are passionate about their community.
Since starting his new position on Feb. 6, Reagan said he has been busy learning as much as he can about the community and getting to know city staff.
"I see a staff that cares about the community and a fun, teamwork environment and culture," he said, noting that the Hodag legend/mascot is a unique and enviable asset.
"Communities around the country would kill to have that kind of branding associated with it," he said.
Reagan said his fiancee is familiar with Rhinelander and told him about the opening at City Hall. After researching the community, he said he was compelled by the combination of challenge and opportunity available here.
"It's a perfect storm, if you will," he said.
He also noted that he has been very appreciative of the warm welcome he has received.
"People look you in the eye and they greet with you a handshake and ask how your day is going," he said. "It's not like that everywhere."
As the son of small business owners - his parents ran a bar/restaurant for over 30 years - Reagan said he has firsthand knowledge of the struggles facing that segment of the local business community.
"I can totally relate to small business owners because I watched it all my life in one capacity or another," he said, noting that he worked in the bar/restaurant in his youth and was also once employed as a butcher in a meat department. "I watched my parents fight tooth and nail to keep their business afloat."
Reagan, who comes to Rhinelander after serving as manager of the Village of Lake Odessa, Mich., is also well aware Rhinelander has had several administrators over the last 15 years but is unfazed.
"I always say you can't drive a car by looking in the rearview mirror. You can see what's behind you. You should glance back every now and again, but you can't focus on it," he said. "We want to keep our eyes forward and just keep making Rhinelander better and better."
"My goal is to be here for a long time and make my home here," he added.
Reagan attended his first common council meeting on Feb. 13.
Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].
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