I live in Whitewater, Wisconsin — a small town of 14, 296 in southeastern Wisconsin. You may live far away, in a larger city, but your form of city government may yet be similar to ours — an elected city council and its appointed city manager. Our government talks much about excellence and professionalism and vision and leadership, as yours likely does, too.
What does that mean?
In our own case, I will illustrate principally from two published interviews (and less so from a few other public sources) what that means for the City Manager of Whitewater, Wisconsin, Kevin Brunner. I have no personal connection to our appointed manager, and neither like nor dislike for him. Only his public comments about his position, and public actions in his role, mean anything to me.
You may find that his views are much like those of officials where you live.
I will draw principally on public remarks that our city manager gave to a paper from Oshkosh, Wisconsin while interviewing for a job in that city, and from a recorded interview he gave to a citizens’ interview panel from Janesville, Wisconsin while interviewing for a position in Janesville.
There is no better way to illustrate how an official thinks about his role and accomplishments than when he describes himself, in the best light as he sees it, for a new position.
I will set out his published views in this post, and my remarks on those views in a subsequent post.
On the Authority of the City Manager in Whitewater, Wisconsin [From the City of Whitewater, Wisconsin’s Website, http://www.ci.whitewater.wi.us/Departments/citymanager.html]:
The City Manager plans and directs the administration of the City to ensure that efficient municipal services are provided and are in line with Common Council objectives.
Administration department functions include: Liaison to the Common Council advising them on all significant matters and presenting all items which require Council action or approval. Directs, develops and implements appropriate budgeting, including capital improvements and administrative planning and control procedures. Provides communications and public relations to the news media and people in the community through various communications media. Coordinates with other governmental agencies and represents the interests of the City in metropolitan, state, county, school district, and national activities as delegated by the City Council. Responsible for effective recommendations in areas of policies, planning, administering community services, community development, public safety, administrative services, financial planning, and human resources. Works closely with each department to plan and coordinate activities to ensure effective service to the public and efficient conduct of all municipal affair.
The City Manager oversees: City Clerk, Neighborhood Services Administrator, Finance Director, Park & Recreation Director, Public Works Director, The Community Development Authority, Police and Fire Commission, Library Board, and respectively oversees: Community Development Authority Director, Fire Chief, Police Chief, and the Library Director.
On Encouraging Economic Growth [From the Northwestern of Oshkosh, June 3, 2008]:
“How to [sic] you spur private investment? You use public monies as incentives,” Brunner said. “We’ve got a (downtown) façade program … in the first two years of our façade-grant program I think we’ve given out over $200,000, but it’s an incentive that is leveraged then by the private investment.”
On A Flexible Leadership Style [From the Northwestern of Oshkosh, June 3, 2008]:
Brunner said he is open to being either a leader or a follower of the council.
“Here in Whitewater we don’t have a mayor. I’m the ‘mayor.’ I’m CEO and they expect me to be front and center as a mayor would be … If that’s what they want me to do, I’ll do that,” he said. “I prefer more to be on the sidelines, helping the council realize its goals, as opposed to being in the front leading the charge to be honest with you, but I think they’re both effective.”
On Community Pride [From the Northwestern of Oshkosh, June 3, 2008]:
As for community pride, Brunner said he thinks it’s important for the city manager to instill it.
“I think that the council and the manager have to be the chief cheerleaders for the community,” he said. “Because if you’re not excited about what’s happening in the community and where it’s going, how can you expect everyone else to be?”
On Why There are City Managers [From the Northwestern of Oshkosh, June 3, 2008]:
Brunner said in the end he just wants to do what’s best.
“You’re trying to build a better community,” he said. “That’s the bottom line. That’s why I exist.”