APMM Series: The Life and Times of Larry Comunale

Larry Comunale is a seasoned municipal manager whose career has spanned decades of challenges, growth, and impact. In this episode, Larry reflects on his journey from rigid labor negotiations to fostering trust-based relationships and community cohesion. He shares invaluable insights into navigating relationships with elected officials, building transparent budgeting processes, and addressing the evolving needs of diverse communities. From his practical strategies for productive conversations to his reflections on the role of community in public health, Larry's stories are both inspiring and thought-provoking. Join us as we explore the enduring lessons of leadership in local government through Larry’s eyes.Learn more about Larry's career from the Villanova University website HERE [Excerpt below]Larry Comunale completed a 42-year career in municipal management in 2016 when he retired as the Township Manager of Lower Gwynedd Township in April of 2016. During his career, he was the manager in three municipalities: East Stroudsburg Borough; Newtown Township (Delaware County); and Lower Gwynedd Township. Larry has been an Adjunct Faculty member in Villanova’s MPA Program since 2004 and is also an Adjunct Faculty member at Delaware Valley University in the Master of Public Policy (MPP) Program. He has served as Executive Director of the Montgomery County Association of Township Officials (MCATO). Larry is a past President of the Pennsylvania Municipal Managers Association and received the President’s Leadership Award from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) in 2006. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s of Public Administration degree from Penn State University.MORE INFORMATION ABOUT APMMConnect with Association for Pennsylvania Municpal Management on LinkedInSign up for the PCC Local Time Newsletter HERE EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS[00:00:00] Introduction to Larry Comunale and His CareerOverview of Larry's career, his leadership roles, and his approach to municipal management.[00:01:10] Early Career Challenges in Municipal ManagementLarry discusses transitioning from an engineer-focused management style to a generalist approach that emphasized human relations and labor relations.[00:05:00] Evolving Perspectives on Labor RelationsLarry reflects on his confrontational approach to union negotiations early in his career and how he shifted toward a more conciliatory and trust-based strategy.[00:10:44] Transparency and Accessibility in BudgetingLarry emphasizes the importance of creating understandable budgets and using them as tools for community engagement.[00:15:30] Navigating Relationships with Elected OfficialsInsights on maintaining open communication while setting boundaries between board members and municipal staff.[00:22:00] Recruitment and Retention Challenges in Local GovernmentDiscussion on the shrinking pool of qualified candidates and the complexities of relocating for municipal roles.[00:30:00] Community Cohesion and the Manager’s RoleLarry highlights the importance of managers actively participating in community events to build trust and rapport.[00:39:00] Building Productive Conversations and RelationshipsStrategies for managers to foster productive dialogues with residents and stakeholders, even on contentious issues.[00:47:00] Addressing Community Diversity and HousingChallenges of promoting affordable housing and fostering diversity in affluent communities.[00:58:00] The Role of Local Government in Community HealthLarry shares the story of Roseto, Pennsylvania, as an example of how community cohesiveness can directly impact public health.[01:01:00] Closing Reflections on a Career in Local GovernmentLarry and Nancy reflect on the richness of municipal management as a career and its impact on community well-being.