Comments on: City right to aim high for next manager

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:48:49 +0000

The reason I like the idea of sticking with Flentje is that he sems to “know his place” as the hired manager rather than the decision-maker. I think we need those managerial skills as well as the continuity. However, he should also serve at the pleasure of the elected mayor and council.

By: Vaughn Tolle

Vaughn Tolle — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:43:39 +0000

MrC, I concur in full with the opinion you posted.

By: mrcontroversy

mrcontroversy — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:36:28 +0000

Wichita would do better to find a top assistant in a city where they do things right, e.g. Albuquerque or San Jose.
But the elitists will have nothing of it.

By: Tom Paine

Tom Paine — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:42:08 +0000

People elect the mayor they dont have any say in who the city manager is

By: Vaughn Tolle

Vaughn Tolle — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:31:22 +0000

Tom Paine, that is what I believe CF2K is saying in his post about examining retention of the “council/manager” form of government. Now, I can make a number of arguments against doing away with that form of government, and I can make a number of arguments for doing away with that form of government. Which will you pay for?

By: Tom Paine

Tom Paine — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:24:09 +0000

Why not have the mayor run the city? Also seems more cost effective

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:49:16 +0000

CF2K – actually I think that would also be best served by Flentje. Instead of bringing in a ‘CZAR’ hire a manager.

By: CF2K

CF2K — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:39:19 +0000

How about Wichitans revist the question of whether they really are best served by the council/city manager form of municipal government?

Want to make Wichita a “world class city?” De-emphasize ‘management’ in favor of ‘democracy’ as a civic virtue.

By: lindainks55

lindainks55 — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:45:56 +0000

I haven’t seen much indication our City Council has what it takes to make good decisions.

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:27:58 +0000

I agree Tony. Keep Flentje. He has the abilities; he is also a Wichitan.

By: Tony

Tony — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:43:25 +0000

They are missing one of the most important qualifications…

They must be from out of state, they must be from a big company and they cant have any common since.

Come on Council, anyone with above average intelligence can run this city. They don’t need 15 years of government management; they need to have run a company… This city would benefit from someone who is from the area, who is successful, and who is a long term resident.

Why not leave Ed Flentje in the job? He meets all of those qualifications. Why not one of the many retired lawyers or business matriarchs?