Mayor visits around 20 workplaces – Aims for 70
Mayor Valdimar Víðisson has now visited around 20 of the town's institutions. He says it is important to understand the core of each one and to give staff the opportunity to have their say.
A diverse business community in Hafnarfjörður
„I think it's important to see the faces, understand the working atmosphere and know how the council's departments operate,“ says Mayor Valdimar Víðisson. He took the helm in the town at the start of the new year and aims to visit 70 workplaces throughout February. About twenty visits have already taken place. „I'm getting a lot out of this; they are really useful and enjoyable visits, as the staff working for the City of Hafnarfjörður are a first-class team.“
Over 2000 employees at the town
In total, just over 2,000 people work for the City of Hafnarfjörður. There are around 300 job titles. The workplaces are therefore diverse, serving the residents of Hafnarfjörður. Valdimar himself was the head teacher of Öldutúnsskóli before becoming mayor, and is therefore very familiar with the school system, both its people and its workings.
This was evident when he visited Hvaleyrarskóli, among other places. Kristinn Guðlaugsson, the head teacher, showed him around the corridors, and the children gave the mayor a warm welcome. So did one of the grandchildren, who was delighted to see him.
It's important to see the bigger picture
Valdimar says the visits are important for getting to the heart of the matter, hearing about issues first-hand, hearing what staff have to contribute and getting an overview of the situation.
He also met Helga Jakobsdóttir, the acting nursery head teacher, and Guðrún Erla Árnadóttir, a developmental therapist at the nursery in Hamravellir. They guided him through their work, and the visit began in the singing hall.
„I must admit, this is the most delightful start to a visit I've had here so far,“ said the mayor. It was understandable. The children sang beautifully.
Life on the swimming pool deck
Aðalsteinn Hrafnkelsson, Director of Sports Facilities, and Birgir Ómar Ingason, a lifeguard, welcomed the mayor to Ásvallalaug this week, and Aðalsteinn then accompanied him between the town's swimming pools. Swimming lessons were in full swing, and the swimming pool's machinery room, which few people see, was in full operation.
The Mayor meets not only with his staff. He also holds open surgery sessions every Tuesday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Appointments can be booked by calling 585-5506.
But when do the 70 visits end, then? „I'm aiming for the end of February,“ says Valdimar.
„It has been extremely lively and informative. Enjoyable, like the first days in the post. I look forward to working with the staff and residents of Hafnarfjörður.“