HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-18-19 Public Comment - D. King - Direction of City GovernmentFrom:David King
To:Agenda
Subject:Direction of City Government
Date:Wednesday, December 18, 2019 12:12:01 PM
Honorable Commissioners,
After reading today’s opinion page and Sunday’s headline article about the City Commissioners, I
agree that I have witnessed certain commissioners “driving out of their lane”.
The Commissioners hire the City Manager and the Manager runs the City…., with checks and
balances from the Commissioners. This is how it is designed to work.
The Manager is trained in the profession. The City Commissioners are typically not trained to run a
government, and are politicians or concerned citizens wanting to be active in their community. Too
often is see Commissioners micromanaging things. They are not hired (or paid) to figure out the
details of sometimes complex issues involved with running of a city. They should trust their
Manager more and let them do their job.
I am reminded of the Taoist saying: “Running a large Government is like cooking a small fish. Too
much poking and prodding ruins it”!
And no, we do not need a paid Mayor position. If the mayor wants to be more active in running the
City, they should apply for the position of City Manager.
Best Regards,
David King
418 S Bozeman Ave