New city manager needed, quickly

To the Editor:
We should be thankful for living in a quality city that has a long history of being soundly managed. I am a Shawnee native and have chosen to return to Shawnee following retirement six years ago.
Our current city government needs an infusion of common sense. Managing a city does not require rocket science. It does require common sense and use of sound business principles.
The mayor and city commission are faced with the daunting task of selecting a new city manager. Let’s go for “gold” and not settle for silver or bronze. Mediocrity is not acceptable. What criteria should be used in searching for that person?
Character must be impeccable.
Experience is crucial. The person should be currently employed as a city manager and have a minimum of 10 years’ experience managing a similar size and type city. A thorough analysis should be completed regarding the candidate’s accomplishments.
Credentials are crucial. The person should have strong academic and management credentials. The candidate should have a college degree and various industry certifications. Strong financial credentials are required to effectively manage budgeting and financial reporting. It would be beneficial for the candidate to have an engineering background.
 The candidate should be a visionary, planning ahead for the next five to 10 years.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
Excellent history of effectively working with the mayor, city commission, chamber of commerce and economic development entities.
Active civic involvement.
Active participation in professional organizations.
 History of stable employment.
Solid personal financial condition.
Good work ethic, willing to put in the hours to get the job done.
My 35 years in senior bank management, including the hiring and management of CEO-type personnel, leads me to encourage the mayor and commissioners to engage a professional executive search firm to locate at least three candidates for consideration. The required fee for the search is usually not in the budget; however, funding can be obtained. It will be a wise investment.
I disagree there is no urgency to hiring a city manager. This boat is without a captain and could easily veer into troubled water. A new city manager should be selected and on the job by Jan. 1, 2009.
I see a lack of professional people willing to serve in city government and I am certainly guilty. I will volunteer to assist in this selection process or any other manner deemed appropriate.
Bill Lyon
Shawnee

To the Editor:
There are many things to be proud of in Shawnee, like our schools and wonderful teachers, our churches, our growing recycling program and Shawnee Youth Coalition. However, one of the things I am most proud of is the Shawnee Sister Cities Program.
I recently had the privilege of participating as a Sister Cities delegate to Nikaho, Japan. I spent one week in Japan and I enjoyed every single experience while there. We toured Tokyo as a group and were involved in many Japanese cultural events. One day we visited the junior high in Nikaho, where we were greeted like celebrities. All the students were so excited to meet us and were fun to be around.
I am sure I made friendships that will last a lifetime. Since I have been home, I have exchanged e-mails with several students from Nikaho almost every day. 
I particularly enjoyed spending time with the family who hosted me in their home.
My host family was so kind and gracious, and staying in their home helped me learn a lot about how families in Japan live. I hope to repay the favor by hosting a group of Japanese students this fall when the Nikaho delegation visits Shawnee. I also look forward to being a part of the Sister Cities program for many years to come.
The experiences I had in Japan will last a lifetime and I thank the Shawnee community and the Sister Cities Council for allowing me to participate in this wonderful international cultural outreach program.
I know that for this program to work so well many people in Shawnee spend a lot of time and effort working to ensure its success. Their efforts are life-changing!
Now that I’ve been home a few weeks, I have continued to think about the wonderful experience I’ve had as a delegate.
Thank you,
Meg Reeder
Eighth grade
Shawnee Middle School