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The search continues for a new City Manager
By Chris Kotterman
It takes a village to find a city manager.
So say the 30 members of the Takoma Park City Manager Selection Committee, who have made it their mission to make the search for Takoma Park’s next city manager as public as possible.
Citing transparency and communication with the public as the top qualities they desire in the city’s next manager, members of the committee are trying to set an example of the behavior that they would like to see from the city’s top administrator.
"We’re trying to be models by being as open as possible," said Katherine Tunis, a member of the board. "We’re trying to model the behavior that we want to see in our new city manager."
Tunis, like many others on the committee, is also involved with the city in many other ways. She chairs the city’s environment committee and sits on the board of Sustainable Takoma. The committee also includes members of the city’s public safety committee, among others. A member of the City Council appointed each member of the committee.
The committee most recently held a public forum on February 25 in order to hear what residents would like in their city manager, and conducted a public survey on the topic. Seventy-seven people returned the survey, representing less than one half of one percent of Takoma Park’s 17,299 residents.
The results of the survey, as well as agendas and minutes for all of the committee meetings, are available on the city’s web site at http://www.cityoftakomapark.org.
The committee also worked closely with the council and the city’s search consultants, the Mercer Group, to develop the job announcement.
Resumes of all applicants will be delivered to the committee and the Council on April 1, and they will be screened by the selection committee according to a matrix it has developed, also available on the website.
With such an emphasis placed on public participation, Tunis is confident that the committee’s choice will be someone with vision and competence.
"Most people on that committee are very involved in community issues," she said. "They’re aware of the city’s strengths and weaknesses and dedicated to making sure that we go forward in a positive manner."
The committee’s recommendation for city manager, however comprehensive, is still only a recommendation. The city charter says the ultimate authority to hire and fire the city manager rests with the Mayor and City Council. Once hired, the city manager has authority over the city’s administrative staff, and the council may not interfere with the administration of the city.
The city manager is bound to carry out the policy set by the Council, but may do so in any manner he or she sees fit.
Tunis views the committee’s role as a supportive one during what she says will be a stressful time for the Mayor and Council members. At the same time they will be interviewing candidates for city manager, they will be holding hearings on the city budget.
"We are hoping that we can provide the support that the council needs to made a good decision," she said.
The current city manager, Richard M. Finn, will step down from his post as city manager effective July 11, but will remain an employee of the city during the transition.
Tunis is confident that the selection committee will find the right candidate for Takoma Park.
"I have a great deal of trust in this group," she said. "The caliber of the individuals that volunteered for this is outstanding."
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