I've been doing a great deal of thinking about the vacancy left in the City Administrator position since the unexpected passing of T. Michael McDowell earlier this month. Since 2011 Wentzville has been without a City Administrator more than it has had one.
A little history: Wentzville has had a problem with keeping a City Administrator since Andy McCown announced his retirement on January 23rd, 2008. Dianna Wright started June 2nd, 2008 and in an executive session held August 24th, 2011, Alderman Nickolas Guccione made a motion (which passed) to terminate her services. On Thursday August 25th, at 1:30 in the afternoon she was officially fired by Mayor Paul Lambi. Since that time Wentzville has been served by numerous interim City Administrators until the appearance of T. Michael McDowell this past May.
Now, what is happening: Mayor Guccione appoints Chief of Police, Lisa Harrison and it is approved by the board of aldermen. Less than a week after that, Chief Harrison resigns as City Administrator and resumes her duties as Chief of Police. Last Friday, August 16th, Guccione appoints Doug Lee who has been serving as the assistant City Administrator and assistant to the Public Works Director, Susan Mueller. That appointment would need approval of the board, but I've heard that Mr. Lee does not want the job. So what now?
Normally, a vacancy of that sort would fall to the Finance Director but in this case our Finance Director, Jeff Lenk has only been with the city for about two months, so who's next? Director of Planning and Zoning, Mr. Doug Forbeck who has been with the city longer than any Director, Alderman or Mayor, but I don't think he would take it. So here we are, waiting for the company who provided McDowell to present a replacement.
After some deliberation, I've begun thinking about cities around the country who have an all-in-one Mayor/City Manager. Could our Mayor serve as both, and if he could, should he? I know Guccione doesn't have the educational qualifications, but he has served five years on the Board of Aldermen and a year and half as Mayor, he must have learned something. Almost seven years of public service as a legislator and administrator, could he do the job? Personally, I think he should give it a shot, even if it's to prove that he is competent and dissuade beliefs that he should have stayed a butcher at Schnucks. Guccione serving as Mayor/Interim City Administrator would solve a great deal of the problems currently facing the city.
PSS: What do you think?
Although I like Mayor Guccione, I'm not sure he could handle the CA's job. Somehow he doesn't come across as being very bright.
ReplyDeleteThou art surely kidding with the bizarre suggestion of Mr. Mayor serving in a dual capacity.Sounds like a master plan to have him have all his hair white rather instantly and return him to the hospital for another coronary issue. This would be one way to have him gone. Going to have to think about this as it would be truly brilliantly masterminded plan to make everyone leave and then start over with a clean slate. HHMMMM!
ReplyDeleteI think Mayor Nick would make a great city manager. He has made a difference in Wentzville and we are very proud of him. Go for it Nick!
ReplyDeleteI know you stay pretty focused on city hall but have you considered looking into what is happening with the Fire Department? Seems to me that there are some pretty serious things happening, costing the tax payers a whole lot of money. Would love to see you post on it!
ReplyDeleteI agree that the fire department (and the school district) is totally out of control. Since 911, firemen, and to a lesser extent, police, have become great heroes. To go into the depth of the fire department like I do with City Hall would almost be considered anti-American to some. It's unfortunate but they seem to be held accountable to no one, and raise our taxes when they feel like it.
DeleteIn my opinion, in order to fix the fire department (and the school district) it needs come from the state level. If the mainstream media would dig in, something might happen, but they won't. This little blog has it's hands full just trying to keep up with Wentzville Government.
I would invite you to attend their meetings, acquire information and start a blog about the fire department. I would assist in any way I possibly could, but for now, I need to stay on top of the city, there's more than enough crazy there for me.
Mainstream media? I recall a tv news story about Wentzville FPD offering free snow shoveling services to citizens in the district.
DeleteIt sounded so nice until you thought about it.
You got it my friend, anything to spend the taxpayers dough.
DeleteCombine this mess, with the mess in the Wentzville Fire Protection District. What's wrong with the western part of St. Charles County?
ReplyDeleteHave they considered the Procurement Director
ReplyDeleteHe actually has the education although I know he's retiring soon.
The mayor is basically a figure head with little to no power. The board took all the power away. Did you ever stop to think why the city is having such a hard time filling a lot of the openings? Nobody wants to work with board.
ReplyDeleteThe whole idea of Gooch running this city is absurd. That man cannot find his own ass with a radar screen. And why anyone would think he is capable of handling the job of mayor is an idiot!
ReplyDeleteWhy not appoint alderwoman Shyrock as the city administrator? Shes not gainfully employed that I'm aware of and she clearly stated it didn't take a college degree to work at the city. I think she's a perfect fit for the board and the mayor.
ReplyDelete