1. Unexpected resignation, but plenty of notice for the city
Ed Tewes resignation this week as the city’s top administrator came, if not as a shock, as a surprise to most. A few more years from the man at the helm for the last 13 were expected, but there’s a change ahead. Tewes’ last day is Dec. 28.
He has given the city generous notice of his departure which, hopefully, will allow for a smooth transition. Tewes’ tenure, in summation, marks a time of stability and progress in Morgan Hill’s history.
He led the city’s Redevelopment Agency project boom with detail-oriented planning, created and administered a sustainable 5-year budget plan, maneuvered through a punch-in-the-gut economic downturn and applied a studious approach to his role as, essentially, the CEO of a company with an annual budget in excess of $100 million.
2. Tewes led Morgan Hill during good times and tough times
Prior to his hiring, Morgan Hill had been prone to in-fighting that created fissures in the city’s mission. Tewes kept things on track with a combination of feisty intelligence and commitment to progress through community facilities.
Answering the question “Is Morgan Hill better off than it was 13 years ago?” is simple. Look around … the rec center, the aquatic facility, the community center, the downtown streetscape, improved traffic flow via new thoroughfares … the quality of life has improved and Tewes, along with the elected officials who hired him and served with him, is responsible for that good work.
Mayor Steve Tate praised Tewes profusely following the announcement and said there are good replacement candidates already in the city’s employ, but that an outside search was likely. We hope the mayor and Council will thoroughly vet that notion. Is an outside search really necessary? If a strong candidate clearly exists, that could give Tewes and the city’s next leader plenty of time to smoothly pass the leadership and knowledge torch. Plus, it could save quite a bit of money and time.
3. Best wishes for the future on whatever path he decides on
Tewes will certainly tell the Council what he thinks. His strong – and sometimes cantankerous personality – is not geared to win a Mr. Congeniality contest. But he earned respect and the Council should listen carefully to his advice in this transitory period, too.
It is perhaps the demise of the state’s RDAs that gave Tewes impetus to move on. His passion for projects and keen intellect are so well suited for a budget with plenty of room in the capital improvements category.
He isn’t saying much about why he decided to leave the city’s employ. That, hopefully, will change soon so the community can wish him well on the next path he chooses.
Meanwhile, we extend our best wishes for the next four months, Tewes future endeavors and say thank you for a job truly well done.
