Some guidance for our new administrator

Let’s start by saying welcome to our corner of the world. I am fairly new here as well, so in many cases we can figure things out together. But I have learned a few things in the past 12 months and would like to share some advice based on my first year as publisher.

I have to say the process the city used to hire you was flawed from the start. For some reason, officials didn’t feel it was important to open up the search nationwide, to try and find a seasoned veteran to take on this new position within the city. The process was done in total secrecy with many of your city department heads didn’t get a chance to meet you before the decision was made. In addition, the city really didn’t do a great job of selling its constituents of the need for a city administrator. I think it’s a great idea but was very disappointed in the lack of openness during the process. With this said, unfortunately, you are starting an uphill battle but it is one you can do.

First, you need to physically move here, not just have a place of residence here but more you, and your family being here. Being part of this community means seeing taxpayers at Super 1 Foods, or Sandpoint Super Drug. It means letting them tell you how they see things as you stand in line at the grocery store. I know this may mean some difficulties for your family but all change can create difficulties.

Get involved in the community. This means go to chamber meetings, help with the Sandpoint Business Improvement District, get on a few non-profit boards — there are nearly 150 in the area. Make a difference, don’t just be an 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday city staffer.

You will need to make a big impression quickly with so many doubters and a poor hiring process. It was obvious, in researching your background, that you are a great grant-writer. I would use that talent quickly, for the benefit of the community.

Listen to your department heads. Several of them didn’t get the benefit of being part of the interview process yet they all have extensive management experience. Collaborating with them rather than being dictatorial should get you the respect the city administrator position will need to succeed.

Last but not least, help Sandpoint’s elected officials understand that openness and transparency really are the way to run government. Backroom politics is a thing of the past and does nothing but create distrust. It will take the better part of your first year helping the city regain trust lost due to a poorly-executed hiring process.

We are glad you are here. The city has needed this position for a while and I personally have witnessed it work well in other cities. If you need any help, your community newspaper is just a phone call away. Coffee is on me.

Jim McKiernan is publisher of the Bonner County Daily Bee.