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Dunedin's candidate search opens doors

After wandering in the desert for a while, Dunedin city commissioners have found a way to move forward on the search for a new city manager.

Last week commissioners actually voted unanimously to hire Slavin Management Consultants of Norcross, Ga, to lead the search.

Though three consulting firms gave lengthy presentations in their bid to win the job, Slavin's presentation wowed commissioners and left them able, finally, to agree on something related to the manager search.

The company and its president, Robert Slavin, have an excellent reputation and nationwide experience in the field of recruiting government executives. If anyone can put Dunedin's manager search back on track, Slavin probably can.

The firm will interview commissioners individually to find out what they are looking for in a person to replace longtime manager John Lawrence, who retired, and Maureen Freaney, who has filled in as manager since Lawrence left but has accepted a job with Pinellas County government.

Indeed, Freaney's decision to take the county job freed Dunedin commissioners to end their sparring and come to an accord. They had been so deeply divided about whether to give the permanent job to Freaney or recruit outside candidates that it was unlikely any manager candidate would have won the commission's full support.

Dunedin's commissioners are smart and capable people who probably will be looking for many of the same characteristics in manager candidates, including relevant training and experience and an appreciation for Dunedin's unique environment.

Commissioners, hopefully, will be especially determined to recruit candidates with a strong financial background and dedication to conducting the public's business with transparency - two areas where the previous administration sometimes was accused of falling short.

While the search goes on, commissioners should use their new accord to build a foundation of respect and appreciation for each other. Dunedin residents clearly have tired of the cynicism and infighting that have marred commission debates to this point.

[Last modified July 12, 2006, 06:44:06]