Marie, What was the process (public or otherwise) you used to determine that the existing search was flawed and what was the new process you created to choose John Gurban?
If the points you mention are indeed true, why the decision to subvert the process behind closed doors and exclude nearly 50% of the elected officials who have the elected responsibility for making the decision? Or will John Gurban only be representing half of the city? KtW> ---------------------------------------- Kurt Waltenbaugh ECCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Marie Hauser Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 8:59 AM To: City of Minneapolis Subject: [Mpls] MPLS Park Board Superintendent 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 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 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
