When Tom Bonfield moved to Pensacola, Fla., 10 years ago to become city manager, he and his wife Karen plunged immediately into school and community activities. Their three children guaranteed that.

It's different this time for Durham's new city manager, who started work on Monday. The Bonfields are empty-nesters now. Two sons are in their twenties and out of college, and their daughter is a junior at Troy University in Alabama.

Bonfield, 53, said this week that he and his wife are renting an apartment in West Village Lofts "until our home sells in a miserable real-estate market in Florida." Keeping them company is their 10-year-old long-haired chihuahua, Mickey.

Bonfield held a get-acquainted session with reporters Monday afternoon at City Hall. A few highlights:

SURPRISES SO FAR: The good: "How easy it is to get around, much easier than I anticipated in a city this size," he said. He was pleased to find that he could drive from one side of town to the other in 10 or 15 minutes.

Not so good: The crosstown trip wasn't too enjoyable. "The streets are in terrible shape!"

PRIORITIES: Bonfield emphasized his intention to spend the coming weeks listening -- to residents, city leaders and his staff -- before introducing any major initiatives. But he hinted about some matters likely to get quick attention.

His Monday schedule, for example, included a meeting with Mayor Bill Bell and county officials to talk about the proposed penny-per-dollar prepared-meals tax that voters will decide on in November.

The tax, similar to one in Wake County and long sought by Durham officials, would raise money intended for "cultural amenities." Bonfield said his initial impression is that "the kind of projects the meals tax would help fund would really help make the community a more special place."

"These quality-of-life events and quality-of-life facilities ... tend to put communities over the top," he said.

CAPITAL PROJECTS: He said he has learned from the mayor and City Council members of a "consistent concern" that the city has not met its commitments in a timely manner to complete projects that were contained in bond initiatives -- "everything from road projects to recreational facilities." He plans to look into improving delivery "really quick."

YOUTH AND CRIME: Dealing with crime is not simply a law enforcement issue, he said. "It takes an entire community to address youth issues. We need to create a culture where young people have hope."

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES: "My career has pretty much been characterized by several themes. ...

"One is that we have an organization that has a culture around service to citizens."

Another is "that we have a government that has a strong financial plan and maintains a strong financial status."

And finally, that strong neighborhoods are vital. "Strong neighborhoods are the building blocks of successful cities."