The 2003 political scene re-energized the idea for a county manager/executive form of government. Then-chairman Ray Lockwood brought it to the media, some would say as a last ditch effort to save his position. But no matter the reasoning, the idea was sound.
It's been an idea that this newspaper has endorsed for six years.
The county manager/executive concept quickly became the platform for new candidates running for the legislature, even though the voters passed on such a proposal almost 10 years ago.
But times have changed.
Our taxes have risen to unacceptable levels. Government has grown, services have been cut and we're all paying more than ever.
It is time for the current legislature to take action on this proposal.
When they decided to move forward, the next question will be manager vs. executive.
A county executive would be an individual elected by the people.
A county manager would be appointed by a vote of confidence by our legislature.
We believe a county manager would be the best choice. The city of Auburn has entrusted its leaders with hiring the best possible person to run the city's day-to-day business, and for the most part it has worked well. However, a major concern in going to the county manager form of government would be that we could wind up with someone able to build the biggest war chest for an election season. It is a legitimate concern considering candidates would be vying for a position that would probably pay one of the best salaries in our county.
We elected the legislature to represent all residents of Cayuga County. It would be their job to hire the best possible person to represent us.
They would need to follow the pattern of other bodies that have been involved in the public hiring of administrators.
When John Plume was hired to lead the Auburn School District, there were panels of people from different sectors to interview and give input to the board.
Ultimately it was the board's decision, but they also knew that if they made the wrong choice, the voters might speak at election time.
Since nothing has been brought to the full legislature since the new year, this may be putting the cart before the horse.
Still, we all need to look beyond the politics of the position and start thinking of our residents.
The county manager/executive concept quickly became the platform for new candidates running for the legislature, even though the voters passed on such a proposal almost 10 years ago.
But times have changed.
Our taxes have risen to unacceptable levels. Government has grown, services have been cut and we're all paying more than ever.
It is time for the current legislature to take action on this proposal.
When they decided to move forward, the next question will be manager vs. executive.
A county executive would be an individual elected by the people.
A county manager would be appointed by a vote of confidence by our legislature.
We believe a county manager would be the best choice. The city of Auburn has entrusted its leaders with hiring the best possible person to run the city's day-to-day business, and for the most part it has worked well. However, a major concern in going to the county manager form of government would be that we could wind up with someone able to build the biggest war chest for an election season. It is a legitimate concern considering candidates would be vying for a position that would probably pay one of the best salaries in our county.
We elected the legislature to represent all residents of Cayuga County. It would be their job to hire the best possible person to represent us.
They would need to follow the pattern of other bodies that have been involved in the public hiring of administrators.
When John Plume was hired to lead the Auburn School District, there were panels of people from different sectors to interview and give input to the board.
Ultimately it was the board's decision, but they also knew that if they made the wrong choice, the voters might speak at election time.
Since nothing has been brought to the full legislature since the new year, this may be putting the cart before the horse.
Still, we all need to look beyond the politics of the position and start thinking of our residents.
Citizen
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