The constant behind all the change at city hall

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Every time a municipal election rolls around, a mayor is elected. Sometimes the mayor is re-elected. Sometimes the mayor is new. Through all of this, one face stays constant — and for a new mayor this is probably the best news they will receive.

Even though the job is busy, particularly around an election and inauguration of the new council, mayoral secretary Caroline Dreger has never gotten tired of the process in the 11 years she’s held the position.

“It’s just kind of exciting — working for someone new, getting their different ideas — and I enjoy it,” said Dreger. “You’re getting to know them and they’re getting to know you and the system of city hall.”

Since Mayor Glenn Hagel isn’t running in the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 24, there will be a new mayor. Dreger will have to prepare the successful mayoral candidate — either Deb Higgins or Fraser Tolmie — for a number of things in the first few months as mayor.

“It’s all good because you’re helping someone,” said Dreger. “It’s busy because they have questions, you’re helping them ... people are phoning wanting to meet the new mayor and (there is) business as usual, too.”

It’s not like Dreger doesn’t have her share of experience in preparing new mayors for the system. The elected mayor this year will be the fourth new mayor she has transitioned into city hall. She started working as mayoral assistant in 2001 and has worked with former mayors Al Schwinghamer, Dale McBain and current mayor Hagel.

“Each transition is different,” said Dreger. “You’ve got different people with different needs and wants.”

Before having the job as the mayor’s secretary, Dreger worked in the clerk’s office doing council-related items for 16 years. She said she has always really enjoyed her work at city hall and can’t believe she has been helping mayors for 11 years.

“It doesn’t feel like (it’s been 11 years),” said Dreger. “It’s gone really fast.”

There is always a lot of work to be done, however. She said Hagel has blocked some time with the new mayor to answer the many questions the new mayor will likely have about the position. But Dreger said one of the most important things to do right away is get the calendar system started.

“I have to make sure the mayor’s where (he or she is) supposed to be. So IT guys come, they’ll set up whatever kind of system the new mayor has and we’ll set it up so I correspond with them,” said Dreger. “That’s probably one of the most important things.”

For more information, see an upcoming edition of the Times-Herald Weekend Extra.