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Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrator’s Blog
Walter Denton
June 15, 2007
I have written several times in this blog about the roles and expectations of a city manager/administrator (here, here, and here). I have written about how the city manager is a chosen career field that believes in professional management of local governments. City managers could do similar work in the private sector for more money, better hours, and less stress, but there is an element of service that ties us to public sector.
But how does one choose city management as a career? It is not usually listed as a “hot job” on web sites or in newspapers. In fact, studies show that government jobs in general are not seen as attractive to today’s high school and college students. Most people who choose city management were somehow touched by someone in local government who convinced them this is a fulfilling and worthwhile career.
I have my father to thank. You can say I joined the “family business,” as my dad was a city manager and county administrator for more than 30 years. I grew up watching him deal with elected officials and come home late from evening meetings. I read his mayor criticize him in the newspaper and I heard angry residents call him at home. My family moved twice during my childhood as he accepted jobs in new communities.
I also heard him talk about all of the great things that were happening in the community due to his involvement as city manager. I saw him consistently be an example for honesty, respect, teamwork, and doing things the right way. I went with him to many events that celebrated the life of the community, be it a river festival, chili cook-off, pow wow, or fireworks show.
When I began thinking about what career I wanted to pursue, I knew I wanted to do something that made a difference. I saw my father’s example and wanted to contribute to the improvement of my world somehow. It wasn’t until later in my undergraduate education that I decided on city management.
My father never pushed city management on me. In fact, I don’t recall him ever suggesting it as a career, but I think he is pleased with my decision. (My mother, on the other hand, wonders why I would choose city management after living through it as a child.) For someone who wants to make a positive impact on his community and wants to fulfill the ideals of democracy and good government, I would not want to do anything else.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad.
And thanks.
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