Bob Velez wrote: > It is my > belief that when 'outsiders' are elected or appointed at these upper levels > as opposed to recruiting from within, the result is a bunch of > opportunitsts looking for a golden parachute rather than folks invested in > the success of whatever office or program that they are placed in charge > of. What the heck do they care? Pull down their six-figure, CONTRACTED > salary and benefit program (which is another problem), and then bail when > they have amassed enough to float out on their golden parachute. I say, > hire from within at ALL levels of City, County and State Governement.
I have to vigorously disagree with this viewpoint. It might be true that some people take on a new assignment this cynically, but I've yet to see it. The outsider/insider choice is a significant one, each with advantages and disadvantages. Which you should choose depends on the task as well as the individual applicants. For example, when you are talking about culture change, an outsider has a definite advantage over an insider because they bring "fresh eyes" and have not already bought into the assumptions of the current culture. On the other hand, insiders have advantages in some situations because they know the issues and systems intimately and they have already established many working relationships. But aren't we getting a little bit ahead of ourselves talking about criteria for replacement when the Chief is still with us? Alan's point that Olson will be hobbled by his "lame duck" status is a good one, and should be considered carefully by the Council in their deliberations on this matter. I worry that it undercuts his already questionable ability to lead the department. Barbara Nelson Burnsville _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
