A hiring group is city's best step forward

Editor’s note: Helen Newton’s letter was sent to council members on Tuesday, Sept. 17, prior to an editorial written by Daily Bee Publisher Jim McKiernan.

Dear Sandpoint City Council,

As you know, it is an honor and a privilege to serve our city in your capacity with serious responsibilities that impact the future of our broader community. As a moderate thinker but fiscal conservative, my hope is that you find and hire the best possible person for the city administrator’s position. In that vein, I would propose that you take another look at the hiring process. Mt. Vernon, Ohio, (half the size of Sandpoint) is hiring an administrator. I invite you to look at their web page to see their approach.

Although the City Council will have the same makeup after January, the mayor’s office will not. The new mayor should be the one working with members of the council, department heads and the citizens to make this decision. I urge you not to rush through this process in order to have someone in place by December.

HELEN NEWTON

Sandpoint

For the rest of the letter, see the print edition of the Bonner County Daily Bee or subscribe to our e-edition.