If we have to hire a new City Manager (I am not suggesting we should) and you could ask each candidate one question, and only one question, what would that question be? How does that question illuminate which is the best candidate?
Kathryn Kramer
The question I would ask is in what direction do you want Boulder to go as far as future growth and middle class residents are concerned? I think the question is vital to whether Boulder becomes another Aspen or Beverely Hills or if we find a place for the "worker bees" in our community.
Adam Massey
Did not participate.
Lisa Morzel
Did not participate.
Alan O'Hashi
i've been through tim honey, ron secrist and now frank bruno they have all served the people of boulder well. we need top city staff who implement city policy unflinchingly and with vigor. as a city council member, i know how to keep issues in the political system long enough to ensure strong public policy. i won't send half-baked policy for staff to try and implement.
Susan Osborne
Did not participate.
Eugene Pearson
I would ask what adversity they have faced in their lives. This would illuminate something about the integrity of the individual, and understanding of what may be a perspective on how they deal with the most difficult social sustainability aspect of the triple bottom line and how it affects individuals in the community. They may not have faced a lot of hardships in life, but one can discern an understanding of those less privileged in the community from the answer.
Susan Peterson
I would ask the City Manager where he or she grew up, what they liked about it, and what they didn’t like. While no single question can illuminate the best candidate, this question would give great insight into the values the person formed early in life, and the values they might seek to instill in our Town.
Larry Quilling
What are the top five goals and accomplishments this year for each of the city department heads and how do they fit into the plans of our council and boards? How will they be measured and in what timeframe will they be completed?
Focus and accountability must be connected between the elected, appointed and city staff to achieve true representative governance.
Tom Riley
Do you think that you will become a puppet? Do you think that you have the mental sensibilities to protect that for which we are hiring you for? It is expected that anyone awarded this position have the highest ethical and moral standards. It will be your job to hold yourself accountable to Boulder. In no way can you sell short the needs of Boulder. This does not mean that you will make decisions based upon a squeaky wheel. It is expected that you become the most informed individual when negotiating contracts. And should you feel as if you are unable to be the most informed you should call upon whatever authority necessary to make the most informed practical and prudent decisions for Boulder’s future. We have high standards for environmental concerns, business concerns. But most importantly, you shall never forget that the citizens of Boulder will hold you accountable to Boulder.
Eric Rutherford
My question to the candidate would be this – would you ensure that ever person in the City government will do his/her job, accept responsibility and account that the money they spend is valued as much as their own salaries. There must to be measured goals and consequences based on clear job descriptions.
Let’s bring the ROI associated with top businesses worldwide to help Boulder work better.
Rob Smoke
Did not participate.
Ken Wilson
Did not participate.
Matt Appelbaum
Did not participate.
Philip Bradley
How long have you lived in Boulder? I think that any time you ask this question you will find out why a person is acting. whether it be for love, money, or some agenda, this question will give me (if elected) an idea of the person that is going to represent the city at the ground level. it will also ring a level of authority when they make decisions that are (implied by council)
Seth Brigham
Did not participate.
Shawn Coleman
How long have you wanted to live in Boulder?
What this question would illuminate to me is; Is this a person who is interested in serving this community, and maintaining what makes Boulder great? or is this a person simply looking for a job? It's of immense importance for a City Manager, (and city attorney which the next council will be hiring for that matter) to have a vested interest in the best interest of the City of Boulder, is someone is simply looking at the job as a stepping stone to a better job, then they are likely to make decisions to impress a "future" employer. I want a City Manager that wants to be a a part of Boulder.
Macon Cowles
Did not participate.
Angelique Espinoza
"What do you see as your role in relationship to the City Council?"
This illuminates the character of the candidate. It shows whether he or she wants to run the show, or understands him/herself as part of the team in relationship to the elected councilmembers. The council is accountable to the people, and the manager is accountable to the council, and in that way, the people have a significant say in what happens in their town. A manager should be managerially competent, but should not think him/herself to be the mayor. (no reflection on current manager intended).
Crystal Gray
Arrived late
Andrew Harrison
Did not participate.
Philip Hernandez
How you as a City Manager bring forth your disagreement with the City Council?
I would use this question to measure the integrity, personal strength, pursuavsiveness, ability to articulate position and forward looking and big picture approach.
Nabil Karkamaz
Did not participate.
