Re-org

What do you think of the City's new reorganization plan? Although the details are not out yet, it looks like there are some changes coming.

The biggest change was the announcmenet of Bill Bartels as the new Deputy City Manager. This was the "confidential employee" listed on the new budget during the recent budget hearings process.

Bill Bartels, like Tom Ristau, is a competent, likeable individual. He has experience and skills to bring to the community.

I hear from a lot of residents who are angry that none of our City management positions(City Manager, Public Works Director, Community Development Director, Finance Manager) are filled by local residents. I consider Bardsdale a part of our community so now we have a local manager.

With that said, along with an appreciation of Bill's "green" and recycling efforts, I have one question. Why wasn't this position publicly advertised? What if there are other capable locals who are currently commuting to other locales to work?

What we have heard from the City is that there are no qualified individuals for these management positions(or for sewer plant positions either).

I believe that Mark Austin, Vance Johnson, Doug Tucker - all current Planning Commissioners - work out of town. I don't know what they do or what their qualifications are but they should at least have an opportunity to apply for a position and eliminate commuting. And, I'm not saying that Diane McCall or Wallace Schaefle are not qualifed to apply for any positions. Just that I believe that they don't commute out of town.

Who knows what other talented individuals we have here who may be leaving town at 6:00 am to work elsewhere and don't return until 6:00 PM.

Was this opportunity for promotion given to Steve McClary? Steve is a dedicated, hardworking employee as well.

So, while I'm glad we have Bill Bartels in the position, I question the method of appointment.