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PAUL W. KERR: What did you do career wise before coming to Harbor Beach?

TOM YOUATT: I was the County Parks Director for Sanilac County and also the Harbor Master in Port Sanilac. (He began his position with Harbor Beach in Jan. 1993 as City Administrator/Clerk). The Harbor Beach City Council changed my position by resolution in the mid 90s; due to the City Charter to allow council to appoint a Finance Officer, answering directly to council, not the Mayor.

KERR: What was your draw to Harbor Beach?

YOUATT: It is a waterfront community that has a lot of potential for growth and development.

KERR: What are some of the accomplishments completed for Harbor Beach since your arrival?

YOUATT: There have been a lot of positive changes in Harbor Beach since I have been there, such as: the Dow AgroScience project, purchase and renovation of city hall, construction of the bike path, the downtown streetscape, a new restroom/shower at North Park, new tennis and basketball courts at Davidson Park, the Visitor Center, the new Industrial Park and new street construction. (Other accomplishments include: marina dredging projects, replacement of a number of water and sewer mains within the city, the development of Stoneybrook, construction of the sanitary sewer retention and assisting with the creation and promotion of the Maritime Festival). I am most proud that many of these projects were funded with state and federal grant and loan programs; saving the taxpayers a substantial amount of money. It is also important to note that all of these projects were completed while maintaining a very healthy fund balance.

KERR: Why are you leaving?

YOUATT: There is a lot of potential in West Branch; I am looking forward to going there. It is obvious to many in our community that the reason for my seeking new employment is due to the negativity, divisiveness and micro-management of certain individuals since Jan. 1, 2005. I am hopeful that moving forward with my career will benefit not only myself, but also the city. I have a better opportunity in West Branch.

KERR: What is the position in West Branch and how did you come across the position?

YOUATT: The position in West Branch is City Manager. It was advertised through the Michigan Municipal League and other organizations and associations.

KERR: Do you feel satisfied with the job you did in Harbor Beach?

YOUATT: Absolutely.

KERR: Are there any goals you feel have not been met while you have been in Harbor Beach?

YOUATT: No, I think we set out to make some major improvements, infrastructure, recreation and business structures and I think we accomplished them.

KERR: Do you have any regrets?

YOUATT: Not really. I am comfortable with not only what I have been able to accomplish, but also what the City Council and other groups have been able to accomplish.

KERR: What are your plans in West Branch?

YOUATT: I plan on working with City Council, there are some issues they are facing I think I can help them with; such as, water and waste water projects. I think I have the expertise to help them through this.

KERR: Does the City of Harbor Beach Council have any plans for your replacement?

YOUATT: I have no idea.

KERR: Do you feel there is any animosity towards you from the council or residents? Do you feel they wanted you to leave?

YOUATT: I don't know of any animosity towards me personally, perhaps for the position. I don't have any personal animosity towards anyone in Harbor Beach. It's very important to have different viewpoints and opinions. Overall, the people of Harbor Beach have been very good to me and my family. I don't know any individual that personally wanted me to leave; there may be a group of people that are looking towards a new direction for the city. I greatly appreciate having been able to serve the residents of Harbor Beach.

KERR: It is said that you made a comment previously of not having a progressive council, whether a previous council or the current council, if so, why would they feel that way?

YOUATT: There is probably something to that (comment). It seems recently there is more focus on micro-managing certain aspects of the city that take away certain visions of the city. There have been some council members that have been helpful, however perhaps some that have slowed the progress of Harbor Beach. Sometimes we have to just look at those bigger projects that have a larger impact on the community.

KERR: How has your relationship with the current council been?

YOUATT: I have always taken a professional outlook towards council. When issues are decided you have to accept it and move on. I have always tried to turn the other cheek and maintain a professional relationship.

KERR: How has your relationship been with Mayor Robert Swartz?

YOUATT: I think the mayor has a different outlook on how to do things. There is nothing wrong with that; we have had our differences in the past. I think we probably have a different vision of how the City of Harbor Beach should go.

KERR: Did this type of relationship make your job difficult?

YOUATT: I think it is just a different focus.

KERR: Did your contract renewal have any particular concerns or did it become a reason for you to leave Harbor Beach?

YOUATT: My contract was not an issue; we have been working on different contracts for the city. That was not a factor in my decision to leave.

KERR: Anything else you would like to add?

YOUATT: I appreciate the opportunity to serve the citizens of Harbor Beach for 15 _ years. I wish nothing but the best to Harbor Beach. When you look at Harbor Beach today, I think it is a much better community; not a result from just any one certain person, but from organizations and groups working together.