City Manager Plan Strengths and Historic Wins
Joseph Epstein examines the council-manager system, citing Maine and Washington cases where employees funded opposing and later supportive newspaper ads. He notes savings from the plan in Cincinnati and Tacoma, argues for clear divisor of policy and administration, and highlights the need for public understanding and strong nonpartisan councils.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Joseph Epstein
Maine
Washington
Charles Edison
New Jersey
City Manager Qualifications and The Manager Role
A city manager must be a trained professional with disinterestedness and aloofness from political considerations. Most managers have prior government experience, and many combine practical work with formal training to ensure executive ability and integrity in the council-manager system.
City Manager Career Path and Salaries Rise
The piece explains how education leads to city manager roles, starting as an aide and climbing to larger cities. It notes salaries from 7225 to 30000, averages for mid sized cities at 13835, and discusses job security and lack of long contracts under council manager government. It argues the system, while imperfect, suits many communities and may improve further.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Ision
Cincinnati
Tacoma
Wash
Fort Lewis
Carlton Sharpe
Hartford City
Sharpe
Hartford