For many government officials – at least in Arizona – the date of July 1 is magical of sorts. That’s when the new fiscal year begins for many entities, including the Town of Fountain Hills and Fountain Hills Unified School District No. 98.

This summer, that date also meant the official start day for two major government leaders in town – a new town manager and a new schools superintendent.

In somewhat of a unique situation, both men who took over these two positions aren’t strangers to Fountain Hills.

Grady Miller was promoted by the Town Council to take over as town manager for the retiring Ken Buchanan. Miller came to Fountain Hills almost two years ago, getting hired as administrative service director. He already has a long background in municipal service. The affable Miller was apparently so liked by the council that the town didn’t bother to perform a “search” for a new manager. He was just down the hall.

Patrick Sweeney was hired by the School Board to replace the retiring Tom Lawrence as superintendent for FHUSD. Sweeney previously was principal at Fountain Hills High School, leaving here after the 2006-07 school year. He went on to a bigger district and gained further credentials to become a superintendent.

While none of the current School Board members were in office during that time, Sweeney was selected by them after conducting several interviews with other candidates.

Both men appear more than qualified for their positions and already know the ins and outs of their jurisdictions – the issues they face, the challenges, the benefits, the positive side of governing here.

Miller no doubt will be busy with a few major issues such as street maintenance, economic development and perhaps building a new fire station this coming year.

Sweeney faces a long trend of declining student enrollment, the ever-present crisis of state education funding and balancing the needs of students, teachers, parents and the like.

A big welcome to both administrators. The community of Fountain Hills seems anxious to see what improvements they can bring and the positive influences we will gain from their leadership.