Christopher Swope was GOVERNING's executive editor.
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Wither the City Manager?
I'm sure all the city manager types among you have seen this NYT story by now. If you haven't, get reading. According to the Times, and I'm paraphrasing here, your profession is retiring out of existence.
The article also cites annoying local politics, low salaries and grinding work schedules as reasons why cities are having a hard time filling city-manager openings. As David Johnson, the former manager of Tecumseh, Oklahoma, who is profiled in the piece, puts it, "You can't go to the grocery store, cafe or convenience store without someone telling you they have a leak in the front yard or a pothole in their driveway."
Did the Times get it right? Is the job that rough? Are there fewer young 'uns going into public service to replace all the retiring Baby Boomers? Why? Let 'er rip in the comments. (You can remain anonymous if you have to).
Twitter: @governing
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
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