Kirkland citizens voice concerns, criticism in city manager search

Bob Murray listened to what citizens want in a new city manager and even a little constructive criticism for his firm's last choice during a public forum Jan. 26 at Kirkland City Hall. In all, about 20 people gave their opinions during the hour long forum, with Councilmembers Penny Sweet, Dave Asher and Jessica Greenway also in attendance.

Bob Murray and Associates will be conducting the search for a new city manager, as they did in 1997 when they chose current City Manager Dave Ramsay.

Ramsay will step down in March after 36 years of public service, including 12 as Kirkland’s City Manager.

Many of the critical issues that face Kirkland in the coming years were hot topics, including annexation and dealing with the city's debt.

Murray said his firm has 25 years experience as an executive recruiter.

"We have done 600 searches," said Murray. "We recently found a new city manager for the City of Phoenix, which is the largest city in the nation with this type of government. But we won't know if we got the right person for a while."

Some in the crowd thought that Murray didn't get the right person for Kirkland the first time.

"Please choose an individual that respects that they are part of a team and not the king of the hill," said Rob Brown. Please set up standards of oversight that will keep the kingdom from growing in directions other than what you have established."

Some want the city manager's pay to be slashed and have a more hands-on approach.

"The last city manager was the highest paid in Washington State with many, many more dollars going out for assistants," said Bob Style. "We have seen an empire built just in the city manager's staff."

The current annual salary for the position is $157,500.

"I would like to see what kind of a response there is when the wage (for the city manager position) isn't so high," said Curtis Thompson.

But most of the comments during the forum were looking forward to solving the city's problems.

"We need to find someone who has done this before and has experience in doubling the size of a city," said Mark Nelson, referring to the annexation issue.

Kirkland Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bill Vadino said that businesses want to continue and improve their relationship with the city manager.

"Every month he meets with business leaders," said Vadino. "It is great that he has an open door."

Many were concerned about luring more tech businesses to Kirkland.

"Our current head tax (on businesses) is less than most B&O (business and occupation taxes)," said Bea Nahon. "We need to reform the tax structure or market it as favorable to businesses."

Another issue discussed was continued contact with community members and neighborhood leaders.

"I hope that whoever is hired maintains contact with neighborhoods and has a willingness to attend the (neighborhood) meetings," said Norm Storm.

The forum gave everyone from business leaders to developers to citizens a chance to speak their mind and have Murray's ear for an hour.

"I want a person who's only special interest is the citizens," Nahon added.

Contact Kirkland Reporter Staff Writer Matt Phelps at mphelps@kirklandreporter.com or 425-822-9166 ext. 5052.

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