Interim manager Ben urges civility and ‘75 days of positivity’ in parting remarks

Interim manager Ben delivered an extended farewell address at the DuBois City Council meeting on June 17, urging residents to curb public cynicism and adopt a more civil civic culture as the city moves forward after consolidation.

Ben framed his remarks around the idea of local self-government and "associations," drawing on historical writers and personal anecdotes about small-town civic life. He criticized what he called "deep-seated cynicism" and said persistent public negativity — including a confrontation at Community Days that exposed a four-year-old to profanity — undermines civic trust. "Every time you participate in gossip, in lies, in negativity... you are participating in the ugly," he said.

Ben encouraged community members to support a positive civic norm and noted he and his team had embraced a "75 days of positivity" initiative, urging the council and residents to embed that approach into civic life. Council members and the mayor publicly thanked Ben and his colleague Lisa for 19 months of service aiding the consolidation and transition.

Several council members cited the Community Days incident as an example of why civility matters. The mayor announced that incoming city manager Joe Fleming will be sworn in on July 1 by President Judge Paul Cherry and Judge Josh Mains. Fleming and other council members offered brief remarks of appreciation and welcomed the community to the swearing-in ceremony.

Ben’s remarks were primarily aspirational; he did not propose formal policy changes. Council members asked staff to continue outreach and to emphasize respectful public discourse as the city begins a new chapter under the incoming city manager.