NORTH BEND – Since December 2000, George Martinez has kept the wheels rolling smoothly in North Bend city government. As city clerk, he’s arranged dates and locations for meetings, transcribed City Council minutes and helped oversee the office staff at City Hall.

But in his new role as interim city administrator, the challenge is much larger – ensuring the city maintains its momentum in dealing with such difficult issues as the 2003 budget, water rights and whether North Bend should assume ownership of the Si View Community Center, pool and park.

“It’s going to be a very challenging position,” Martinez said.

“It’s a great opportunity to me and I look forward to it.”

The former city clerk was named interim city administrator after Phil Messina accepted a job last month as city administrator in Central Point, Ore., which neighbors Medford in the southern part of the state. Messina’s last day was Friday, Aug. 30.

Mayor Joan Simpson said Martinez proved his capabilities in his time as city clerk.

“He’s really excellent in union negotiations, personnel and human-resource issues,” she said. “I really like his personality. He’s fun to work with and extremely organized.”

The appointment of Martinez as interim city administrator will be re-evaluated after three months. If he feels comfortable in the role, and if the mayor and City Council approve of the job he is doing, the appointment could be made permanent. The city will hold off deciding whether to fill the city clerk’s position until after the three-month period.

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