Don Munkers grew up in Eastern Oregon

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

The City of Burns has a new city manager.

Don Munkers, former General Manager for the Burns Paiute Tribe, has agreed to accept the position.

Munkers has lived in Burns a little less than two years after moving from Boise, Idaho, where he served as executive director for a non-profit organization. He is married, has two grown children and three grandchildren.

Munkers was raised in Heppner, and after graduating from high school, he attended Eastern Oregon University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business economics. He then attended the University of Oklahoma and received his master’s degree in public administration.

When asked about the  challenges looming ahead as city manager, Munkers replied, “The biggest right now is the state of the economy. We have to make sure we keep moving forward and are able to provide city services to the community.” He added that even though the area has seen some downturns, such as the mill closing, the temporary closing of Monaco and the rumors of the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) closing, he remains positive. “We have to look at what we can do to entice businesses to relocate here,” he stated.

Munkers said one strategy he plans to employ is to read through the stimulus package and see what funds might be available for the city’s projects, such as the airport.

There are also plans to work closely with the City of Hines, county government and Burns Paiute Tribe to come up with economic solutions. “If we all work together, we could come through this with flying colors,” Munkers said.

Even though Munkers has lived in Harney County for only 19 months, he has seen a number of positive signs. He cited the downtown area, the rural and agricultural aspects, natural resources and outdoor activities, like hunting and fishing. But most of all, Munkers noted it’s the people who make Harney County special. “There are a lot of people here who want to do things for the area,” he said.

The Burns City Council is expected to confirm his acceptance as City Manager at their regular meeting tonight (Feb. 25).

“It’s great, it’s exciting to have the chance to be Burns City Manager,” Munkers said. “There are some huge challenges, but we just have to move forward.”