Today we broadcast a story on Warrenton Mayor Gil Gramson that raises questions about the public role of a Mayor in a City Manager form of government.
In yesterdays commission meeting planning commissioner Steve Hawks questioned how public information is released to the press and charges that Gramson is improperly acting as a spokesman for the city in matters he thinks should be handled by City Manager Bob Maxfield.
Hawks outlines a procedure where announcements, or news releases, would originate from the City Manager in regard to certain city functions such as budget matters.
Hawks expressed the opinion that Gramson "micro-manages" city staff. Gramson told Hawks he agrees with his right to express his opinion. He explained that the city manager is not comfortable being the city spokesman. He says the Mayor is the spokesman and to some degree the other commissioners serve in this role. Other commissioners said that Maxfield runs the staff.
Hawks says it sounds like the city is being run from the mayor's office.
Hawks objections are apparently based on newspaper reporting which quotes the Mayor in regard to possible cuts in the city planning department. Perhaps he would have been happier to hear about that possibility from the City Manager? Perhaps he was concerned about the accuracy of the comments?
Mayors have a leadership role when it comes to representing their city. That role properly includes the responsibility to respond to questions from the press regarding city operations especially when it comes to policy decisions. Mayors, whether working as a "strong" mayor or as an appointed representative, should have a working understanding of city issue positions.
If the city manager seeks the advice of a former city manager in handling operational matters then that would seem appropriate. Hawks seems to believe Gramson's involvement goes deeper.
I would point out here that Maxfield's apparent discomfort with the press doesn't seem to extend to our reporters. He has been recorded for news stories regarding his city frequently.
and those stories have been broadcast on KAST ever since he took the job.
Frankly, I'm puzzled by Hawks public comments on these matters.
Tom,
ReplyDeleteI am surprised that you are puzzled about one person's comments before the Warrenton City Council. It's only one person, and everyone seems to have their own idea about how government should operate. To your point: it is not uncommon for a mayor to want to be the city spokesperson and most city managers would appreciate having the mayor deal with the media. If you want to hear comments from single individuals that will puzzle you even more, attend the Astoria City Council.
Good morning Tom and thank you for airing my comments and writing about them agree or disagree. Not that I wish to further a news story your blog commentary prompts me to respond.
ReplyDeleteMy objections are in part based on the newspaper articles to which you refer, but, my opinions are also based on feelings and opinions I’ve had over the past number of years. The press releases I referred to in my statement to the City Commission to me are evidence that Commissioner Mayor Gramson maintains a very high profile and high level of involvement in the day to day administration of our city. I do not believe this is an appropriate role of a commissioner. Our government per our charter is a “Commission-Manager” form of government. Bob Maxfield has been hired to be the City Manager and performs the tasks day to day operations of our city and I believe he is very good.
I agree that Mayors and City Commissioners have leadership roles and should answer press questions. They most certainly have a right to air their opinions. How “strong” the Mayor is causes my concern. I also commented that I believe that Bob would seek the council of any person in the city that he feels has the needed expertise on a given issue(s). In my comments Tuesday night I also acknowledged Gil’s years of service and his undeniable knowledge of our city.
However, when it comes down to assessing and reporting on the state of departments, or, the financial status of the city, or, other specific information about our city I believe those are the tasks that should be completed by the person spending 40, 60, or however many hours it takes in city hall. Not a commissioner. I cannot imagine a City Commissioner spending enough time in city hall during a work week to adequately assess the activity in a department and I doubt it is in the description of the duties of a City Commissioner which is why I suggested an inventory be taken by committee of citizens on the role of commissioners. As a planning commissioner I have cause to go into the planning department periodically. This does not give me enough knowledge to publicly comment on the department’s activity.
Now, if the statements reported in the press by Commissioner Mayor Gramson were preceded by a comment something to the effect of; “As reported to the City Commission by Bob Maxfield, there has been a slow down in building and planning as a result of the economy. Therefore, the staffing level of the planning department is being reviewed” such a statement would support the Bob is the one reviewing his departments, not the Mayor. However, the presentation of Mr. Gramson’s comments indicates that he is the person assessing the departments of the city and he therefore continues to be a strong driving force in the administration of our city. This makes me uncomfortable. I do not get this feeling from any other commissioner now, or, in the past. This is what makes me think that Gil continues to feel he is in the role of “city manager”.
Your closing comment about Bob’s apparent discomfort with the press, “doesn’t seem to extend to our (KAST) reporters” is very interesting. Maybe better stated, Bob’s “discomfort with the press” as reported by Commissioner Mayor Gramson would be a better descriptor. Your assessment indicates that Bob can easily comment on the state of our City therefore Commissioner Mayor Gramson does not need to seek out this role. Bob is a strong leader and I believe an excellent City Manager. I have a great deal of respect for Bob. Commissioner Gramson tried to spin my comments into being insulting towards Bob, but they were not.
Thank you Tom for your comments and I hope that I did not “puzzle” you further.
Respectfully,
Steve Hawks
Tom,
ReplyDeleteHow frequently do your actually post comments to your messages?
Hello, anyone there?
ReplyDelete