Letter: Businessman expresses views on Kerry
Publisher’s note: This letter was sent to South Lake Tahoe Mayor Wendy David and Lake Tahoe News.
Dear Mayor David,
Hello, my name is Ted Kennedy. I am a partner in the following businesses in town:
Base Camp Pizza
Azul Latin kitchen
California Burger Co
Poke Rok
Outpost Brewery
Ten Crows BBQ
Lakeside Beach House
Social House Deli
Human Potential Speakeasy
Tahoe Stewards
I believe we’ve met briefly. And I heard you speak at the CEO meeting last month, very impressive. I don’t want to stick my nose in where it doesn’t belong and I certainly don’t know all of the facts, but I’d like to humbly give you my 2 cents on the Nancy [Kerry] situation.
I’ve opened businesses in 20 different cities and towns in California in my previous life as director of real estate for Boston Market. The experience I’ve had dealing with Nancy and the government in general here in S. Tahoe — which at some level is a credit to her — is by far the best I’ve had. Proactive, positive, helpful and fair. I’ve been extremely impressed with the access and efficiency of Nancy and her staff and I do not believe that happens by accident.
There are always challenges and naysayers, but organizations do not perform at this level by accident. Whatever Nancy’s failings are, and we all have them, they certainly aren’t reflected in the communication and services provided by the city that she’s is the manager of.
Again, sorry if I am commenting where I shouldn’t, but I thought it only fair that I let you know my thoughts.
Very, very respectfully,
Ted Kennedy
Thank you for sharing your important assessment Ted…. I feel that Nancy has brought about some “professionalism” to South Lake Tahoe City management, that had not been evident heretofore! I do not own a business here in South Lake Tahoe, but I brought business here for years via the Genentech ski trips. I became a homeowner here 26 years ago, and have witnessed some awful city management…. Nancy Kerry is responsive to issues: I wrote her to request our subdivision name be returned to its original and true subdivision name of Tahoe Sierra (instead of the awful name of Sierra Tract), and submitted my research findings. She had her staff confirm those findings, and returned the original name of our neighborhood subdivision. She has been responsive to so many issues in South Lake Tahoe — particularly the financial ones that previous Councils and City Managers have mucked up so bad. I salute her, and look forward to a positive outcome.
Having dealt with Nancy on many levels,
I completely agree with Ted Kennedy. My experience has included a business in Heavenly Village when Nancy was working in the redevelopment department. At this point in time the Village had a much different atmosphere and many challenges on it operation. Nancy was so helpful with issues dealing with the challenges at the Village. Having served on the planning commission for 8 years, I served 3 City Managers, none having the concern and knowledge of items that the commission had to confirm or deny.
Nancy was always available and willing to express her opinion, positive or negative.
Watching her performance at council meetings she is fully engaged and knowledgeable. The City is moving forward and much of that success is due to the successful role Nancy has taken as City Manager. I urge the Council to be open and look at the total picture of Nancy’s success as City Manager, not a situation that may have occurred since her last very successful evaluation.