ROSEBURG, Ore. (KMTR) -- For the last four months, the City of
Roseburg has been searching for Eric Swanson's replacement. Monday evening during a special executive session, they chose Lance Colley to take his place as City Manager.
Colley believes it's his experience in the community that gave him the win over his four opponents. He's been the Chief Operations Officer for the Roseburg School District for nine years. Before that, he worked for the city for seventeen years.
Tuesday morning he gave his notice to the district and he'll officially become the City Manager on November 16.
Colley’s excited to get back into City Hall and has several goals in mind.
“I think having everybody be proud of being in Roseburg, proud of the organization, having a safe comfortable place for people to live, for people to thrive, for people to work, are all guiding principles,” says Colley.
Colley doesn't foresee any major changes right away, but hopes to provide focus and direction in City Hall.
Two city councilors spoke out against hiring him at last night's meeting, but Colley says he wants to work with all the city's staff to make sure everyone's ideas are heard.
Colley says he's lived in Roseburg his entire life and is honored and thrilled to hold the position, calling it his “dream job.”
