Lindenhurst manager retiring

During his job interview in 1985, Jim Stevens vowed to give people more information than they could ever want if hired as Lindenhurst's village administrator.

Whether he was going over complex budget lines, answering water and sewer questions or netting a major commercial and residential development, Stevens kept that promise.

And now, four mayors, 23 budgets and the Village Green project later, Stevens is leaving his post.

Stevens announced his intent to retire sometime in April during an executive session meeting Monday.

He could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Trustee Carol Zerba said it will be a learning curve for his replacement.

"He's hard shoes," she said. "He has been a perfect fit for our growing community."

In a written response, Mayor Susan Lahr said Stevens has had a significant impact on the tight-knit community.

"He has been progressive in looking at both the short term and long term to improve what our village has to offer residents as well as building a solid, professional staff," Lahr said.

Former Mayor James Betustak was on Stevens' interview team in 1985.

"I thought he was an outstanding individual and a man of principal," Betustak said. "He proved to be all of that in the years I knew him."

Betustak said Stevens' philosophy was to keep people informed, and he did so while showing the utmost respect to the community.

"I've watched him deal with the public when they were angry and he would try to resolve the problems they were facing," Betustak said. "His people skills are so outstanding. I think that is why Jim is held in such high regard by so many people who came in contact with him."

Stevens moved to Lindenhurst from Indiana in 1985 with his wife and raised two sons in the community.

Zerba, who was also on Stevens' interview team, said when he arrived, he struck her as low key and conservative, which has proven to be true.

"I think we were extremely fortunate that he has been with us all this time," she said. "He has been incredibly dedicated. I just love the guy, I really do."