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Assistant obvious choice for Dunedin city manager

Re: Search for new city manager needs objectivity, openness, editorial, Dec. 16.

Rather than being concerned with the methodology of seeking a new city manager for Dunedin, you should be concerned as to why they are conducting a search.

When John Lawrence was appointed city manager in 1984, he shared with us his very perceptive concept of the job. First, he would hire competent subordinates, define their jobs and let them do their jobs. Second, he would not allow himself to become involved in the political swirl and would expect the City Commission to give policy direction.

During his 21 years as city manager (more than four times the norm), there were times when we were unhappy with Lawrence's management style. Whenever that happened, we would look at our neighbors: Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Largo, Safety Harbor. They hired outside consultants to conduct searches. What did they get? Roundabouts, dissension and mismanagement. Meanwhile, Dunedin residents enjoy a high level of public services at very reasonable cost compared to our neighboring municipalities.

Once again, Dunedin has the good fortune to have an employee of 20-plus years - a known quantity - who is interested in moving up from the position of assistant city manager. A search throughout Florida and even nationwide is an unnecessary waste of time and money. Those of us who have been actively involved in Dunedin's city government find it difficult to understand why the City Commission did not vote unanimously to follow precedent in promoting from within.

The commissioners need to define what they expect from a city manager, and they need to define their role as a policymaking body chosen by the electorate.

If you were to take a poll, odds are that Assistant City Manager Moe Freaney would be the people's choice.

Nancy Duggan's role is clear in Dunedin city manager search

Re: Search for new city manager needs objectivity, openness, editorial, Dec. 16.

I watched the broadcasts of the two Dunedin City Commission meetings referred to in your editorial and found some of your comments to be misleading and disingenuous.

In her initial presentation, Dunedin human resources director Nancy Duggan made it clear that her role would be that of a facilitator only. The commission amended its motion to insure that there were safeguards in the process that would remove any appearance of bias on Duggan's part. She will answer only to the commission. Yet you contend that she will be "vulnerable to the appearance of lacking sufficient objectivity to conduct the search properly."

She clearly stated that she would put together a group of city managers from neighboring cities to review the applications. Yet you stated, "She apparently plans to get some colleagues in human resources to help her review the applications." Apparent to whom? You then added, "That is at least an improvement over Duggan making those decisions alone," thereby implying that her initial intention was to do it alone.

You end your editorial with, "If the city is not going to use an objective third party to manage the search. . ." Once again, you impugn Duggan's honesty and professionalism.

If you feel hiring outside consultants is the correct way to do a search, then you should write about the merits of doing it that way rather than misrepresenting the facts regarding Duggan's proposal, and in the process creating the impression that she is unable to be objective and fair.

Since many Dunedin residents don't watch commission hearings, I felt compelled to write this letter to point to the gross misinformation contained in this editorial.

Jeweler has stamp of approval from a long-time customer

Re: For two jewelry stores, sparkling milestones, story, Dec. 12.

How sweet it is to read about your favorite jewelers in the newspaper. I have been a very satisfied customer of K.K. Smith&Sons for 20 years. When it comes to jewelry, there is no task which is too big or too small. Believe me, if they can't do it (which is very rare), no one can. My favorite attraction in their shop is their vintage jewelry showcase.

Not only are the items in the store beautiful to look at, the Smiths, too, are beautiful people and a pleasure to do business with.

As Norris Smith mentioned, trust is one of the key elements in doing business. For me, Smith jewelers is as good as it gets.

No need to use tax collector's name on checks to the county

Re: Tax collector shouldn't require her name on checks, letter, Nov. 27.

Even Pinellas County Tax Collector Diane Nelson's predecessor, O. Sanford Jasper, stopped this practice, though late in his tenure.

I simply omit her name when I prepare my checks to the tax collector.

Future office-seekers opposing her are at a political disadvantage, and I think this practice should be stopped. Besides, people preparing checks to the tax collector would save some time and ink.

[Last modified December 21, 2005, 00:51:17]