As part of my last blog post, I briefly discussed the MLGMA Board of Directors 2015 initiative to review the “State of the Profession”. It is no secret that there are some troubling things happening in many Michigan communities between the manager and his/her respective legislative body. Clearly, some of these situations are caused by a lack of understanding on behalf of the legislative bodies as to the function, purpose and structure of the Council-Manager form of government. As I have said before, there appears to be a blurring of lines between that of policy formation on behalf of the legislative bodies and the role of the appointed city, county, township, or village managers to carry out this policy in partnership with his or her respective staff.
The MLGMA Board has engaged the Michigan Municipal League to be part of this discussion and to explore opportunities for better education of our elected officials during the hiring process so that both the manager and elected officials understand the collective expectations going forward. One idea is to assemble a “crisis team” of elected and appointed officials to meet with a community that is reaching an impasse between the manager and elected body. We must also ensure that our membership adheres to strict compliance of our Code of Ethics and represents themselves and the profession at the highest level.
This is certainly a complex issue with no easy answers. I would ask our membership to become engaged in this discussion and to stay in contact with your Board of Directors by sharing any ideas you have to strengthen and promote the Council-Manager plan. This discussion is certainly relevant as we try to recruit young professionals to become the mangers of the future. I would ask you to please share any ideas with me directly by calling me at 616-866-1537, or dropping me an email at myoung@rockford.mi.us, as we continue this discussion throughout the year.
Michael F. Young, City Manager
Rockford
Michael’s public service work began in 1990 as an intern in Spring Lake and progressed to the role of assistant city manager in Greenville before he assumed the position of Rockford city manager in 1995. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved with MLGMA, serving on a variety of committees as well as on the Board. In January 2015, Michael was selected by his peers as president of MLGMA.