It has been a little more than a month and a half on the job for the person responsible for running the City of Bridgeport’s day-to-day business. So far, so good for new City Manager Brian Newton.

 

“Things have gone really well. I love it,” said Newton of his new job.

 

The former city manager of Fremont, Nebraska began his duties May 1. Due to the massive growth that has been a constant for decades now, Newton hit the ground running.

 

“You see the sign when you come in, but there are really so many great opportunities here. This is exactly where opportunity lives,” he said. “We just have so many good things going on, so many good people, and so many projects taking place. This is a great community that is blessed.”

 

Newton has been able to work with Council, city department heads and staff, and also take part in several community activities. He has been involved at the GameChanger event at The Bridge, the Summer Kickoff and Food Truck Festival in the downtown and more.

 

“The friendliness of the people I was able to meet at those events was overwhelming in a good way,” said Newton. “The thing that impressed me as well as to see that many people come together, have such an enjoyable time, and there are no problems. After those events, you go back and talk to the police and fire chief and ask about any trouble. It’s so refreshing to hear we had no trouble, and that is apparently the norm.”

 

Newton is also impressed with the people who now work under his guidance. He said he has already witnessed what you want to witness from the staff when you are a city manager.

 

“I’m in awe of the fact the people we have and dedicated to the community and to doing good will for the community,” said Newton. “They do it every day because they are mindful of knowing who they work for in the form of the entire community and they understand the community can see their efforts.”

 

Newton’s “official settlement” actually became complete a few weeks after he arrived. It was then that his wife Michell joined him in Bridgeport.

 

“She really likes it, which is good because I drag her to all the things,” said Newton. “I was in the dunk tank (at the GameChanger event), and she put me in the water right away. I’m certain had she missed she would have come up and just hit it.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Brian Newton shortly after taking the oath to be the fourth city manager in Bridgeport's history, while he's shown addressing Council in one of his first public meetings. Bottom photo shows Newton addressing the Planning Commission during its June meeting.