Speak Out 8/22/14

Thoughts on

city manager

I read with interest the recent article introducing the new city manager. My thoughts are that the overall compensation package is quite significant, especially for a city with a population of approximately 15,000, albeit growing. However, I have always believed that hiring someone "the company" could grow into is the right thing to do. I hope that the new city manager is that someone for Poplar Bluff. In a well run corporate environment a comparable package for a senior executive would have specific tasks/objectives to be accomplished. I trust that with the dismissal of the previous city manager, the City Council has a clear understanding of the shortfalls of Mr. Bagby as city manager, which resulted in his dismissal. Correcting those shortfalls along with specific "going-forward" goals/objectives should be an integral part of the new city manager's contract, clearly documented and shared with the city's citizens. Anything less will result in a meaningless subjective performance review by the City Council at the end of the first year of his contract. With no specific, measurable goals/objectives, it will be all about he "pleased: the Council, rather than how well he did his job."

Can you look kids in eye

I hope you that voted "no" can look your kids in the eye and say I can't pay 12 cents more a day in taxes for you to have a better school.