E52 Hiring the city's top executive: reviewing the process

The ongoing search for a new Springfield city manager raises questions that are largely going unanswered. The city declined to offer anyone to speak to the process; likewise from the firm handling the search process. What we do know is that the city has hired the same firm which recommended departed City Manager Jason Gage. The city has agreed to pay the firm $35,000 for its services, which seems to be a small amount if the firm is going to do an extensive search. This week's podcast hosts three well-known retired Springfieldians: Clif Smart, Missouri State University; Steve Edwards, CoxHealth; and Tom Finnie, City of Springfield. Tune in to hear the comments and observations of these three men who had extensive experience running large organizations and make up your own mind about the process. Many council people over the years have agreed that the selection of a city manager is the single most important decision they will make as our elected representatives.