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Reference Notes
John Helin
TAB 5
Cliff Mesner – Former City Attorney, City of Central City, NE 308-946-3826
Mr. Mesner has known Mr. Helin since 1996.
Mr. Helin tackled the financial and political problems the City had experienced for a long time.
No other person had wanted to attempt solving them until he arrived. He realized that these
problems would not go away; so he formulated a plan, created a schedule, and had the resolve to
finish dealing them. He pushed the Council when necessary. A new water treatment plant had
to be built if the City was to avoid paying fines levied by the Department of Environmental
Quality. Council did not want to confront the issue. Mr. Helin presented a plan that would solve
the problem and pay for the plant. He convinced the Council, and his plan was executed. The
City witnessed more positive changes under Mr. Helin than with any other City Administrator.
Mr. Helin is a problem solver. He needs to be in a community with issues he can resolve. One
housing project had sat dormant for five years. Mr. Helin questioned why. No one had an
answer for him. He was determined to reinvigorate the neighborhood; so he identified the right
people and created a pool of funds to complete the work. That subdivision is now full of homes.
The biggest resolve Mr. Helin established in the community was a commitment to bring financial
stability to the City. He supported a city sales tax for economic development which now
provides a major source of revenue. Also, an ethanol plant was built in the area. The City sold
some utilities to the plant and now receives a commission check from the plant’s owners.
Mr. Helin’s communication style is direct. He has learned how to soften his direct approach
when dealing with the community. If he senses the City is about to take a wrong course, he
voices his concerns but will still follow Council’s directives. He has been trained to provide
direct answers but do what he is told. He had an exceptionally good relationship with the Mayor.
Mr. Helin is a strong leader. He took control of departments which had been running themselves
for years. Some individuals did not appreciate his involvement in the beginning, but his
approach has proven to be best for the organization. He has established consistency and control.
Mr. Mesner interviewed Mr. Helin for the City Administrator position. He was concerned that
Mr. Helin was just out of the military. By the end of the interview he knew Mr. Helin was the
right candidate. He was productive and hardworking. He resolved many of the City’s problems
and left the City financially stable.
Words or phrases used to describe John Helin:
Problem solver,
Get it done person,
Direct,
No nonsense approach,
Collaborative, and
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