First day for St. Joseph's newest city manager

“I know of 20-30 things already- I’ve been here a few hours- of needing my signature already,” said Gary Edwards, St.

Joseph City Manager.

Driver from the vehicle and thankfully the driver sustained no injuries.

St.

Joseph police chief chris connolly can finally give us his position as city manager.

A 5th generation missourian who spent a quarter of his life in city military.

Kilee thomas spoke to edwards.

>> like starting any new job, first day jitters are expected.

Luckily for the new city manager, he has years to back him.

>> in 25 years i have been in management.

Gary edwards knew he had to get a head start.

>> i have found 20 or 30 things have needed my signature.

>> it might be the first official day in office overlooking his new city, but his schedule is booked.

>> for the next two to three weeks very busy.

>> packing in one-on-one meetings with the city council meeting and community members.

To understand the heart of the city and what it needs, you start with the people.

>> it would be presumptious of me to say here are my goals until i find out what the citizens want, what the mayor and council want, and what the staff want.

>> and the long range plan.

I want to run over that with gary and using the framework of the imagine st.

Joseph 2040 plan.

So invest in people, create a better place and grow prosperity.

River front and downtown are among those.

Edwards spending his mornings to get to know st.

Joe on paper and getting to know the team with his best friend duchess.

Took my golder retriever to walk to the various parts of town to get a sidewalk view of the city.

And see what issues came to light.

>> edwards has his hands full with the city's budget, flood damage and covid-19.

>> he says he's ready.

>> i will make mistakes.

Everybody will make mistakes at the outset.

I'm new to the process and don't understand the nuances and the details of all the different issues but i have to learn them quickly.

That's another first day issue.

>> reporting in st.

Joseph.

Kilee thomas.

Kq2 news.

>> before taking st.

Joseph city manager position,