Thomas A. Wurtz

11.03.01 Veteran M.U.D. attorney Wurtz picked as new general manager by Nancy Gaarder, Omaha World-Herald The top attorney and legislative liaison for the Metropolitan Utilities District has been named to run the company as its new general manager. Thomas A. Wurtz, 51, who has been with M.U.D. for about 20 years, succeeding Jerry Radek, who retires December 1 with 36 years at M.U.D. The board tapped Wurtz because of his knowledge of the political and regulatory climate for public utilities and for his commitment to the district, said John McCollister, chairman. The decision was difficult because of the quality of the internal candidates, McCollister said, but when made, it was unanimous. Wurtz's selection, McCollister said, is "recognition of the complicated environment right now." Among the challenges that McCollister cited were M.U.D.'s plans to expand its water supply, upgrade its customer information system, and complete a budget for next year. Wurtz said Friday he is committed to giving M.U.D.'s customers the greatest value for their dollar. The utility, which has some of the lowest rates in the Midwest and has tightened staff over the years, will become even "leaner and meaner," Wurtz said. By that, he said he meant that the company would expand to meet growing demand, but without adding staff. M.U.D. has seen its customer base grow about 175 percent in the past 50 years while the number of employees has dropped by 150. Acknowledging the safety concerns that have arisen since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Wurtz said security will be a top priority. "I personally will be making sure for the customers of the district that the water supply is safe." Among the biggest challenges ahead is approval of a new water plant along the Platte River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reviewing the proposal, and Wurtz hopes to gain approval next year. The plant is opposed principally by Saunders County officials because of concerns about how it will affect flow in the Platte. Wurtz has played a key role shepherding the plan through the regulatory process. In selecting Wurtz, the board did not use an external search firm or seek candidates nationwide. McCollister said that wasn't necessary because of the caliber of the internal candidates. Wurtz will earn $150,000. Radek earned $177,000. McCollister credited Radek with giving employees the tools they needed to get the job done, which improved productivity and helped keep gas and water rates low. Radek, he said, also helped improve the company's safety record. Wurtz has three teen-age children, Cara, Ben and Nate. He also teaches real estate law at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

News archives 2001 news Work experience: General counsel at M.U.D. since 1992; started at M.U.D. in 1980 as an attorney. Previously an instructor at the University of Nebraska College of Law in Lincoln and lawyer in private practice. Education: Bachelor of arts in political science and Latin American studies, UNL, 1971; law degree from UNL, 1974. Community activities: University of Nebraska President's Advisory Council; Urban League; past board member of Catholic Charities of Omaha and former member of Governor's Water Policy Council.