2009.06.02
Burcham to take her leave
At council's request Roanoke City Manager Darlene Burcham plans to leave her post, but not until March 1. For Wednesday, we'll write in support of retaining Roanoke's strong-manager form of government but suggest the next manager also possess strong communication skills.
RSS feed 
I don't live in the city, but Tony, THAT sounds like the best idea I have heard in a long time for any organization of government!
Comment by Sandi Saunders — June 2, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
No matter how I butted heads with Burcham I find it difficult to continue to "kick her around."
Yesterday she defended her reign and accomplishments and said, "I never thought about retiring because I think I will probably work until the day I drop dead.”
While Councilwoman Gwen Mason said, "she was planning on retiring before too long anyway.” I put a video clip together.
Reporter Mason Adams quoted Vice-Mayor Sherman Lea's frustration with a weak Council.
Lea is correct - it became apparent while the media camped out there was declension at least regarding her departure date. Only a guess but I'd say that some Conical members wanted her to depart earlier. Nine months is a long time.
Comment by Valerie — June 2, 2009 @ 3:49 pm
It is difficult to have a "strong council" when members are paid a very minimal part-time salary and given no staff. The current system gives most of the resources to the city manager and most of the responsibility to the council. What's wrong with this picture?
Comment by Bill Bestpitch — June 2, 2009 @ 7:28 pm
Should we change our form of government? Full time council? I think there are advantages and disadvantages to this.
Comment by Jack Mullins — June 3, 2009 @ 12:09 am
Only a former councilman would speak of the "minimal" salary as Mr. Bestpitch has. I would consider it an honor to serve on council and would even give back to the good people of Roanoke a portion of it. A "Sad" large number of residents live on what council members are paid.
You can't fault Darlene for doing her job as she saw fit because previous council members did not or would not take the time to be more involved with oversight of her management style.
Comment by E. Duane Howard — June 3, 2009 @ 6:57 am
I don't think some people realize that "strong city manager" is a term used for a form of government and not a city manager's leadership style. Richmond is the only other city in Virginia that I am aware of that uses a different form of government known as "strong mayor".
Lets not get confused a management style versus a form of government when using these terms because their is a huge difference.
Comment by Paula — June 3, 2009 @ 9:32 am