Colten Harris, Superintendent of Streets, Public Works

Colten has worked for the City of Springfield since 2011.

What’s something you’ve learned since working for the City?

“Two heads are better than one and finding the answer isn’t the hard part. Now, that’s an understatement of what I’m really trying to say but often we are trying to solve complicated problems at the City and this is usually only achieved through collaboration and teamwork. Complicated problems can have complex solutions and the hard part is explaining that solution plainly and in a way that it is simple.” 

Why do you do what you do? 

“I work at the City because it is a practical way that I can try and make a difference in my community.” 

What’s the best part of your job? 

“Completing construction projects is a pretty great feeling. Not just because they can be years in the making, but it’s one of the few times your hard work is tangible.” 

What are you passionate about? 

“People. The only reason the institution of the City exists is because of people and it’s what makes our work mean something.” 

What’s something that Springfield as a city should strive for? 

“I think Springfield should strive to be the example of how a community should live together. For a city to optimize its functions and run accordingly it needs the people in that city to be engaged. Engaged and interested in what is happening, I would say something for Springfield as a city to strive for would be that every citizen is taking part in their communal responsibility to make this city the best it can be.”