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Edgington joined the public works crew May 1, 1995, and his first assignment was the pothole crew. He knows all the work from the public garage to City Hall.
Born in a house on Pocahontas Street, Edgington has spent all but three years of his life in Ottumwa. During those three years, the U.S. Army stationed him in Colorado.
Why would he prefer his hometown to Colorado?
"Eleven murders in 13 days. It was worse in Colorado Springs. In 1975, they had 2,000 a month," Edgington said.
He returned from the Army in January 1976, and Wausau Homes, based at Ottumwa Airport, hired him in February. Soon he was a foreman and that meant being on the road.
"I liked the work and the crews," he said.
Unfortunately, Wausau Homes closed. In 1982, Edgington started at Everco Industries, also based at the airport. He stayed there until 1994 then worked a year at Universal Rundle.
Why does he pursue mechanical and assembly-line occupations?
"I like working with my hands and constructing things," he said. "I want to be able to point out something and say, 'I built that.'"
Edgington cares about the city and improving it. He said the city "has been good" to him and he wants to reciprocate.
"I had a good childhood and I've had good jobs so I want to give a little back," he said.
The public works operations superintendent has been with the city for 12 years and he'd like to see the sewer separation completed. He said the sales tax will help with improving streets and sewers.
"It'd be nice to have the city grow again," he said.
Every manager has days and projects that are vexing. What helps Edgington through the tough days?
"You have to care about what you do. For example, last night I was at the office until 8 p.m. and was back at 6 a.m. the next day," he said. "That makes things difficult, but I wanted to get some things done and followed through. Every job has its easy and difficult parts."
Edgington said a city job means the "community is your employer" and that's different than his previous jobs.
"I'm not here to make money. I'm here to make the city better, and it's nice to know you can make a difference for people," he said.
Currently, the city is facing many challenges and is feeling the pains.
"But, this is a good community and we will work through this," Edgington said.
Cindy Toopes can be reached at (641) 683-5376 or via e-mail at cindy@ottumwacourier.com.
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