A memo from McAllen, Texas city manager, William (Bill) Schupp

                                          MEMORANDUM

  TO:                All City Employees 

  FROM:              William L. Schupp

  SUBJECT:           City Employees and the Public

  DATE:              March 1, 1974

               Many cities, including McAllen, spend many years earning a good 
          public image.  Our employers, the citizens of McAllen, have entrusted 
          an important job to us and we should strive to keep the respect that 
          past and present city employees have earned.  It is important that 
          the citizens respect us as individuals and as a team.

              Unfortunately, some of us sometimes get careless and in our daily 
          routine forget that we work for all of the people in McAllen.  One care- 
          less incident can do much damage to the years of effort spent in build-
          ing good relations with the citizenry.  Good deeds are generally expected; 
          a needless incident will be rapidly acknowledged. 

              The following are some tips which will help all of us to continue 
          having good relations with McAllen citizens:

              1. Be courteous and attentive whenever a citizen calls on the 
                 phone or in person. 

              2. Pay attention to their problems, complaints, or suggestions.
                 Address them by their names.  It helps. 

              3. Smile and be helpful.  Have a positive attitude at all times. 

              4. Do not look annoyed when a person asks for your help.  Sometimes 
                 a person just needs a listener.

              5. Never assume the attitude that you never make mistakes.  We 
                 all do. 

              6. If a citizen is wrong, don't make him/her look foolish.  If
                 you are wrong, admit it and let the person know that his 
                 welfare is of primary important to you.

             7. You are working to serve the citizenry.  Never give the 
                impression that he/she is intruding on your time.

             8. Your personal appearance is important.  Use common sense, look 
                neat, and try to make a good impression regardless of your 
                position on the city team.

             9. When driving city vehicles, drive courteously.  Most city halls 
                receive most of their complaints in this area. 

            10. When using a telephone, answer promptly. identify yourself,
                transfer calls tactfully and always ask the caller to leave 
                a message when the person he/she called is not in.

            The above suggestions are not new to most of us, but their 
       importance bears frequent repeating.  The friends we make and the 
       good will that we can build by just following common courtesies will 
       more than repay the little effort we may have to put forth from time 
       to time.  Remember, your conduct and appearance represents our 
       Municipal Government to the public. 

       WLS:jh 

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