"[Historically, the job is stable. There have been just nine superintendents in the park system's 120-year history.
So many positives to the job.
So many rejections.
"We had a fine list of candidates," said Bob Fine, the board's president. "Problem is, we've already told them, 'you're not finalists.' Do we go back to them? I hear that some of them are still interested."
Interest is one thing.
But will anyone actually take the job? ]"
I say:
The job is still stable. There are still many positives. And two rejections is not "many".
We have a fine list of candidates. They wanted the job three weeks ago, circumstances have changed, and your phone rings and you are told you have the opportunity to be reconsidered. How long would it take for you to say "I'm interested in talking" if your phone rang and you got another chance. Do you still want that #1 Park Job in America?
My guess is probably.
I also see all of this as a positive in the end. There are blessing in disguise many times. For one, more people have gotten concerned about the new Supt. With most eyes and ears of the City focused on the New Police Chief and the New School Supt. this whole Park thing has hardly raised a hair. We had 8 people testify at the public hearing about what they wanted in a Supt. All of them there being concerned in one way or another about the environment and the environmental integrity of the park system.
For two, the Board must now unify and get its own agenda together in order to make it a place where a Supt/Professional person wants to come.
and Three ...For whatever reason, we haven't found the right person yet. The person with strong leadership skills, a visionary and a change agent all wrapped in one who knows a variety of aspects of taking care of a park system and all of its partners and the legislature - it is asking a lot.
As a steward of the Minneapolis Park System I take this job as Commissioner very seriously. And I believe as stewards we must pause, take a deep breath, see what the other five people have to offer - if they want the job or not. I just don't believe it is as dismal as is being portrayed.
Also goes to show community input and process go a long way in this city for making sure we get the right people to run it. We've learned lots of lessons from all the current hirings taking place in this city for new, professional leadership. Time will tell if all the decisions were right or not.
In very deep meditation these days
to receive guidance in choosing a great Supt for our Park system,
In the meantime, Happy Holidays everyone (which ever one you might celebrate) - enjoy our Parks , so beautiful in the winter, the benefits are priceless.
Annie Young
citywide Park Commissioner
http://www.startribune.com/stories/465/4269752.html
http://www.startribune.com/stories/465/4269752.html
REMINDERS:
1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
