We’ve reported on his perspectives on those issues in our three-part series highlighting the city’s efforts, areas where there has been demonstrable improvement and others where things have been challenging.

But as I sat there and listened to the conversation, I wanted to also focus on the bigger picture.

Nadolski, like any other mayor in our cities in northern Utah or anywhere else, has certain duties and responsibilities that come with the position. Citizens have a right to have certain expectations of their mayor and definitely should evaluate the job performance as they consider whether the individual deserves to be re-elected.

Here are five characteristic that I think every mayor should bring to the office and my perspective on how Nadolski is doing in those areas:

1. A mayor needs to have vision.

To make a difference for a city, a mayor needs to understand both where the city is at and where they see a city going. All of us have a general grasp on the first and likely have our own views on the second, but a mayor needs to take that to the next level.

As I listened to Nadolski talk about things like his emphasis on building “the Ogden Way” and how he wants to see the city develop economically, I thought it was clear that he had a direction he wants things to be moving and is consistently working to make that a reality.

2. A mayor needs to be passionate about their city.

It’s one thing to have goals and objectives but it’s vital that a mayor embraces all of the wide-ranging elements that come together to make a city, from the organizations and businesses to the individuals and communities.

I don’t know how anyone could be in a room with Nadolski for more than a few minutes and not feel his enthusiasm for what Ogden is. He speaks with energy and sincerity about both the strengths and challenges of the city, showcasing how much he cares about what is going on.

3. A mayor needs to be prepared.

I’ve talked to countless candidates for elected office over the years and found that it is often clear whether they are only locked in on a few issues that really matter to them or whether they have an understanding of the myriad of issues that they will face if voted in. Most of those issues are extremely nuanced and complicated, requiring careful, thoughtful approaches and not oversimplified generalizations.

As an editorial board, we put Nadolski on the spot as we asked him to address a variety of topics. He had no advance knowledge of the questions we would ask, yet answered each with in-depth responses that demonstrated he and his team are cognizant of the multifaceted challenges that deserve the attention of the city government.

4. A mayor needs to understand the limitations of the position.

Every city needs someone to step up and take on the role of mayor, but they also need to realize that they are only one part of the operation. An effective mayor knows that they have the responsibility to collaborate with other government officials as well as the historical and legal aspects required by law.

Nadolski stated clearly that as the city’s “chief executive officer” he has to follow through with processes and projects that have been in the works for years, even decades, although he may not agree with all of them. He discussed updating ordinances and zoning that he believes more reflect modern practices but acknowledged those steps need to be taken jointly with other organizations like the city council and other city employees.

5. A mayor needs to be accessible and accountable.

For all of its responsibilities and attention, being a mayor is still a temp job that is beholden to the citizens of the city. With so many things to be done, sometimes mayors get mired in all the details and don’t do enough to connect with the people they serve.

I don’t get that sense with Nadolski. Not only did he spend time answering our questions, but I’ve seen him make himself available at a wide range of events and gatherings.

He wants that engagement, even though it isn’t always supportive. He discussed how there have been some dissenting and negative interactions where he didn’t feel like all the details were fairly evaluated, and how he thought it was important to attempt to clarify and be transparent about how and why certain actions were taken.

There is no doubt that many aspire to the position of mayor, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. You always have those different priorities pushing and pulling in different directions, so you have to try to find the best balance you can.

I left Wednesday’s meeting with Nadolski believing the he is doing the best he can for the city of Ogden.

That’s not to say voters individually and collectively won’t decide they believe that someone else is better enough to earn their vote. Every eligible voter has the duty to cast their ballot in favor of the representative they believe will do the best job. That’s a personal decision.

But I think Nadolski is doing a lot of great things for Ogden and the city will benefit from his efforts, both now and in the years to come.

Jared Lloyd is the managing editor of the Standard-Examiner.