The mayor has visited around 20 institutions in town – Aims for 70

Mayor, Valdimar Víðisson, has now visited around 20 institutions in the town. He says it is important, as mayor, to understand the essence of each person and give employees the opportunity to have their say.

Diverse economy in Hafnarfjörður

“I think it’s important to see the faces, understand the morale and know how the municipality’s offices work,” says Mayor Valdimar Víðisson. He took over the reins of the town in the new year and plans to visit 70 offices throughout the month of February. Around twenty visits have already been made. “These visits are very giving, useful and fun, as there is a wonderful team of employees who work for the town of Hafnarfjörður.”

Over 2000 employees working for the town

A total of over 2000 people work for the town of Hafnarfjörður. There are around 300 job titles. The operating units are therefore very unique, serving the residents of Hafnarfjörður. Valdimar himself was the principal of Öldutúnsskóli before he took over as mayor and is therefore well acquainted with the school system.

This could be seen when he visited, among other places, Hvaleyrarskóli. Kristinn Guðlaugsson, principal led him through the corridor and the children welcomed the mayor. Also one of his grandchildren who was very happy to see him.

Important to see the big picture

Valdimar says that the visits are important to get to the core, hear about issues first-hand, hear what employees have to say and get an overview of the situation.

He also met Helga Jakobsdóttir, preschool principal, and Guðrún Erla Árnadóttir, social educator at the preschool at Hamravellir. They visit began in the singing hall. “I have to admit that this is the most enjoyable start to a visit so far,” the mayor said. Which was understandable, as the children sang beautifully.

Life at the poolside

Aðalsteinn Hrafnkelsson, director of sports facilities, and Birgir Ómar Ingason, shift manager, received the mayor at Ásvallalaug last week. Aðalsteinn then accompanied the mayor between the town’s swimming pools. Swimming lessons were in full swing and the swimming pool’s machine room, which few people see, was in full swing.

The mayor does not only meet his staff. He also offers open consultation hours every Tuesday from 9:30 – 11:30. Appointments are booked through the phone number: 585-5506.

But when will the 70 visits end? “I aim to do so at the end of February,” says Valdimar.

“It has been very lively, informative and fun, like the first days in office. I look forward to working with the staff and residents of Hafnarfjörður.”