PORT TOWNSEND — About 50 community members shared their thoughts at the Cotton Building during a conversation cafe to begin crafting a profile of Port Townsend’s next city manager.
The general consensus at the Thursday meeting of the Community City Manager Task Force with the public was that the ideal candidate should be aware that Port Townsend is a unique place shaped by its singular environment, which creates unique challenges.
The ideal person will possess a sense of humor and be a creative problem solver, open to many possibilities, community members said.
Communications ranked high on the list of interactions with the community. Livability and affordability were concerns, along with income disparity, economic development and an aging population. Natural disasters, climate change and environmental risks that would impact our local economy were priority topics.
David Timmons, Port Townsend’s first city manager, has held the position for 20 years. He is scheduled to leave the job in June 2019, having extended his retirement date originally set at the end of December.
He stayed on to not disrupt council business, helping to conclude some high priority issues such as the city annexation into the East Jefferson Fire-Rescue District and the housing and homeless interlocal agreement with the county.
Task force chair Catharine Robinson, a former member of the City Council who served as both deputy mayor and mayor, led the evening’s program. She said the survey was created by the group and that public input is vital to the process.
Members of the community task force were on hand to help lead the discussions. The group includes Jean Camfield, John Collins, John Nowak, Kris Morris, Liesl Slabaugh, Malcom Dorn, Ned Herbert, Norm Tonina, Samantha Thomas, Sarah Rubenstein, Siobhan Canty and Tim Caldwell.
Survey questions include: What are the most important issues facing the city? What leadership qualities are most critical? What type of interaction should the city manager have with the community? What should the City Council consider when hiring? And what advice would you give the new hire?
One group suggested that candidates be asked to submit video applications to help the committee get a better sense of who they are and not just depend on a written resume and cover letter.
Robinson said the committee will incorporate the input from the session along with all of the surveys from the community.
The questionnaire was sent to all those in the 98368 zip code and they can be returned to City Hall’s bill drop off at the front door, or at the Port Townsend Library (in the citizen concern drop box).
They also can be returned by mail to City of Port Townsend, 250 Madison St., Port Townsend, WA, 98368. The deadline is Friday, Dec. 14.
For those who prefer electronic communication, an online City Manager Recruitment Survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/FLWXT26.
“We hope you will tell all your friends and neighbors to fill it out,” Robinson said. “We want as much input as possible.”
________
Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.
