October 7, 2015 1:00 a.m.
Editor’s Note: This is the third day that the Fernandina Observer will post answers to questions posed to candidates running for the Fernandina Beach City Commission. In the November 3 election Incumbent Commissioner Pat Gass is opposed by Jim B. Higginbotham, Jennifer Schriver, and Roy G. Smith, in Group 4. Clinch Kavanaugh faces Len Kreger in Group 5.
The Fernandina Observer does not endorse candidates.
The Fernandina Observer Candidate Forum will be held October 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the city commission chambers.
Group 4
What are your ideas for cultivating a productive relationship between the city commission and the city manager?
By engaging with the Commissioners through dialogue creation, active listening, transparency, productive discussion and remaining solution focused, I believe the City of Fernandina Beach can have a more cohesive, effective and productive group of leaders. Commissioners must allow the City Manager to present the facts to the Commissioners and remain open to all sides and facts that are presented. As Commissioner, I must be an example and remove the idea that it is “Us” vs “Them”. Above all, a good commissioner identifies the battles, a great commissioner implements the solutions for the win.
What are your ideas for cultivating a productive relationship between the city commission and the city manager?
To be productive the city manager and commissioners must abide by the rules of the city charter which defines their roles. A workshop meeting between them and the City Attorney would benefit everyone. I also believe the city manager should hold one on one meetings with each commissioner in order that each can voice their expectations, concerns and visions for the city.
What are your ideas for cultivating a productive relationship between the city commission and the city manager?
I have had the pleasure of enjoying a productive relationship with the city manager for the past three years. All good relationships are based on communication and manners. Being clear in our direction to the City Manager is of the utmost importance, and making sure that we do so respectfully is a very close second. The rules for this relationship are spelled out in the City’s charter. All we need do is consult it and abide by it.
What are your ideas for cultivating a productive relationship between the city commission and the city manager?
Simple: Do your elected job and let the City Manager do his or her job, following the job description. If you collectively do not like the description, change it thru your Charter. No micromanagement.
Group 5
What are your ideas for cultivating a productive relationship between the City Commission and the city Manager?
We now have a new City Manager who, I believe, is sincere, capable and has proven integrity. In order to have a productive relationship between the City Commission and the City Manager, the City Commission must understand that the City Manager’s position is similar to that of a corporate Chief Executive, (CEO) who provides professional management services to the board to directors, which in this case is the Commission.The Commissions role is similar to that of the Board of Directors of a company. It makes major decisions, including employing the City Manager and represents political power on behalf of the citizens.
The City Manager is responsible for hiring and firing City staff, implementation of City ordinances, the day to day operations of the City and carrying out the will of the City Commission as they represent the citizens. The City Commission must not meddle in the City Managers realm of responsibilities. By respecting the City Managers role and allowing him to do his job the City Commission and the City Manager will have a productive, functional and successful relationship.
What are your ideas for cultivating a productive relationship between the City Commission and the City Manager?
The responsibility of the City Commission is to set the goals of the City. The City Manager responsible to accomplish and implement the goals. The goals must be realistic and effectively communicated (In writing) with follow up on a continuous basis. In all instances the relationship should be professional and civil.
Let’s hope we have a new beginning with the new commission and new city manager. I’m perplexed by Jennifer Shriver’s answer to this question….her performance at last night’s commission meeting certainly fostered an “us and them” scenario.