OPENING ADDRESS FROM MAYOR MARY THUN
A HEALTHY RESPECT FOR THE CITY OF VICTORIA
Mary Hershberger Thun began her first meeting as Mayor of Victoria on Thursday, January 11^th, 2007, by looking and speaking directly to the people.
"This is an extraordinary honor," said Mayor Thun.  "Over the past four years I've enjoyed serving you as a Victoria city councilmember and learning from you.  I want to talk to you about Victoria ...
"You will note that the city flag notes the symbols we've grown up on - parks, lakes, farms ... I want to protect those resources with the help of the other city councilmembers ... You have contact with city government when you turn on the water, when you turn out of your driveway ..."
Mayor Thun read from a list of past mayors and councilmembers who have served the City of Victoria.  "I thank these people who have worked for the city these past 92 years, since the city was incorpor-ated in 1915 ...
"We have a very dedicated staff here in Victoria.  It is my pleasure to continue working with them closely ... These coun-cilmembers come from all different walks of life ... It is with a healthy respect for the council and the staff and the citizens that I will work for you ... We hope to do our very best and meet with you in per-son."

NEW PHONE SYSTEM FOR CITY HALL
ENHANCING VICTORIA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE
Council voted unanimously to accept the proposal from Transcend Communica-tions to upgrade the City of Victoria's telephone communication system at a cost of $38,702. 
Aaron Timmerman is a consultant with Tech 80 who was hired by the City of Victoria at a cost of $4,000 to analyze the current system and make recommen-dations.  On January 11^th he said that an advantage of Transcend's proposal is that the city will be able to expand in the future "without having to purchase a new phone system.  All you will have to do is purchase a new phone."
According to Tech 80 information, city staff will now have the ability "to dial an extension and speak with a staff mem-ber in the Field House or Fire Station from City Hall," among other advantages.
Remarked Councilmember Jim Paul-sen, "I want to know who to call when it doesn't work, as the contract goes through time, to make it work and keep it work-ing."
Replied Mr. Timmerman, "You will have a person assigned to take care of Victoria."
Stated Councilmember Tim Amund-sen, "This should enhance customer ser-vice.  I'm sick and tired of a neat cool phone system.  This is only a town of 5,000 people."

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