By SUE RYAN
News staff writer
June 11, 2007

Bernard Seeger moved swiftly and surely through the environs of his new office this week — as the city administrator for Cascade Locks.

Seeger, 38, took over the position June 4 from interim city administrator John Morgan. Seeger has been spending the first week learning about various city projects and issues. He wants to meet as many leaders, stakeholders and citizens as possible these first few weeks. The city council will hold a public open house for him Monday at 5:30 p.m. at city hall before its next meeting.

“Part of why I came here is I think this is the most beautiful place on earth,” Seeger said. “And you are talking to a guy who traveled around the world quite a bit.”

He did so as part of an eight-year stint with the U.S. Army. Seeger grew up in east Texas and entered the United States Military Academy at West Point immediately after high school. After finishing his degree there, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and worked in a variety of leadership positions. His final posting took him to Fort Lewis, Wash., in 1994.

After his tour of duty ended, he traveled for a year. He then entered the University of Kansas and earned a master’s degree in public administration. Since then, he has worked for the governments of Dodge City, Kan., Lewis County, Wash., and Shoreline, Wash.

While posted to Fort Lewis, he discovered the Columbia Gorge and its beauty. He said another part of what drew him here was the area’s recreational and outdoor pursuits. Seeger loves snowboarding with a passion and is a devout bicyclist.

“When you are snowboarding, it’s just the combination of taking in the thrill of the sport while enjoying the beauty of what is around you,” he said.