2009.11.08
Editorial: Don't cut out the public
Name city manager finalists in Roanoke
The public interest in judging the finalists for this vital position outweighs the personal interests of candidates in confidentiality.
Roanoke City Council got off to a terrific start in its search for a new city manager with an open, transparent process with plenty of opportunity for public input.
But that process appears to be going off the rails. At a council meeting Monday, Councilman Rupert Cutler said the top finalists for the position would not be revealed "for the obvious reason that all but one of the top candidates are currently employed as city managers in other cities, and they do not want their interest in changing jobs known to their current employers."
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It is interesting that in the same week, Council can act both in the public interest and against it. On storm water (see http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/commentary/wb/225352), Trinkle and Cutler have the next generation of taxpayers, business owners and residents at heart.
Here, however, Cutler's protestations are unconvincing and, frankly, should concern anyone genuinely interested in the process of selecting a City Manager.
First, the people in the cities where our potential city manager prospects are from have a right to know that their city administration is considering bailing on them, and we have a right to know why they are leaving.
Second, we need to know where they come from--what is the context in which they've served a City like ours. Or have they?
Third, while individual members of City Council like Trinkle, Cutler and others may have a clear view of what is best for Roanoke, trust in Council as a whole is at a low point right now. If we do not do this openly, it will only raise more suspicion and keep our collective eyes off the ball--attracting responsible development, sustainable jobs and creating a flagship school system for our region.
Open the process--our collective interest in knowing who has a good chance to replace Darlene Burcham trumps any private interest in confidentiality.
Comment by Hank Bostwick — November 8, 2009 @ 10:00 am
So what exactly does "the public" know about hiring a new city manager? Maybe they should have an election for the position. Fair? Sure, but what does it do to ensure the proper replacement is selected...nothing!
To hell with "openness" at this time. Give candidates the confidentality they expect in this process and hope the right decision is made,which is doubtful.
Comment by Al — November 8, 2009 @ 6:57 pm
The new council members said over and over transparency, now is the time to show they meant it, or are just like the prior council? With the complete upheaval of the market looming, a displacement of many, knowledge of the city manager prospects is a must. DRI's new director coming to us from Pittsburg points one direction, witness this summer's summit meeting and handling of peaceful protests there, so, we need to find a city manager that might balance out yet a new direction, or perhaps lack of, for downtown. Why do we as a city lose so many of the best and brightest of all ages? Perhaps a few years of typical Roanoke confusion could drive anyone away. Does anyone realistically think the market area can survive with the long, overlapping sets of construction/reconstruction planned. Once the farmers, vendors, artists, and craftspeople have been displaced for months, do they have the luxury to wait upon the city? Salem seems pretty good!
Comment by catspaw — November 9, 2009 @ 1:50 am
I agree. MORE transparency is needed.
Comment by T Witten — November 9, 2009 @ 10:43 am