The search for a new city manager is now on after city council handed walking papers to its former chief administrative officer Patrick Draper earlier this year.
The primary requirement will be previous municipal government experience, evidence that this city council intends to avoid repeating the previous council’s error in judgment.
The previous council weighted its decision toward economic development in an attempt to address concerns by residents and local businesses that more non-residential taxes would take tax pressure off local homeowners. The winning candidate, however, had limited experience in municipal government and that eventually lead to his downfall.
Draper had a strong background in economic development, but no prior experience as a municipal CAO. There was only one previous municipal government role at all listed on his LinkedIn resume.
Council is obviously trying to do things differently this time, even switching recruitment firms. The job description posted by recruitment firm Conroy Ross makes for interesting reading.
It hints at the expectation that many staff will soon retire, referencing succession planning.
It also hints at the political climate the new city manager will find on arrival. The job description specifies the applicants be “politically astute.” The current council is at loggerheads more often than it co-operates. And we’re just a year out from what is expected to be a controversial, hard-fought election.
A section, “Opportunities and Challenges,” notes the diversity of council opinions and said it’s essential for the CAO “to keep building community within a politicized environment.”
First year deliverables include ensuring information is provided to council in a timely and robust manner “without surprises.”
Not mentioned in the job description is the fact that the new CAO will be joining an organization that may be undergoing a municipal inspection. Council’s request for an inspection is a demonstration of concerns around city hiring processes, but also evidence of council discord.
The current occupant of the city manager’s office, Chris Jardine, is no stranger to the role. He took on the job on an interim basis after Draper’s predecessor Bill Holtby was fired. He applied for the job then, but Draper was hired. It’s perhaps understandable why Jardine has chosen to pursue his retirement plans this time. Too bad, he fits the job description to a T.
In the meantime, CAO applicants will benefit by doing their research on the last three years of council politics and its relationship with administration. Forewarned is forearmed.
Let’s hope the looming provincial review, election and unpleasant political atmosphere won’t keep St. Albertans from getting the first-class city manager this city deserves.
