I want to publicly state how pleased I am that John Gurban has agreed to become
the Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation System. Mr. Gurban is
an extremely qualified applicant. He actually lives in Minneapolis, unlike many
of the candidates.
John Gurban is currently Executive Director of the Minnesota Parks and
Recreation Association, the state professional association. Mr. Gurban is
familiar
with MPLS park staff and the park system. He has extensive experience with the
planning and implementation of parks, recreation and environmental initiatives.
Our current Superintendent, Mary Merrill Anderson, and other park professionals
are unanimous in their regard for Mr. Gurban's qualifications.
Mr. Gurban's previous experience includes:
- managing a recycling and environmental service
- directing parks and recreation systems in Apple Valley, MN, British
Columbia and Colorado
- creating a master plan for the Greater Victoria [Canada] park system
- program manager for the Olympic Committee of Manitoba
- strong background in environment, recreation, planning and management.
For months the Park Board has been following a process we had established. In
November we received a list of 7 top candidates from our search firm. Two weeks
ago we spent several days interviewing these 7 and were especially pleased with
the quality
of 2 of the applicants. I was really disappointed when the two most qualified
candidates withdrew last week.
Unfortunately, the process left only less qualified candidates in the race. The
withdrawal of the candidates may have been caused by several of the Park
Commissioners themselves (http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/4269752.html).
The process unfortunately became flawed. Action was needed to produce the best
candidate for the position.
It is vital to have strong, knowledgeable, capable leadership in these difficult
times. We need a leader and I believe we have found one. I urge the community
and all Park Board Commissioners and Mr. Gurban to keep our Park system strong.
Minneapolis does not need the embarrassment of another great candidate
withdrawing due to internal differences.
Marie Hauser, Commissioner, 3rd Park District
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