City Manager Appraisal

I was more than a little disappointed with how the City Commission handled City Manager Ron Fehr's latest job appraisal. The Commission is a political body and certainly acted the part in trying to have it both ways on this one.

Last week there was much ado about Mr. Fehr's appraisal, which, as I understand it, said he "exceeded the standard" qualifying him for a 2% merit. But because the Park and Recreation Department scandal unfolded under his watch, the merit was cut to 1%.

Only retiring Commissioner Ed Klimek refused this illogical dance - rightly or wrongly - saying Mr. Fehr should have been held accountable and issued a letter of reprimand.

Mayor Bruce Snead on the other hand was quoted as saying, "I strongly support Ron." Well Mr. Mayor, I think not. If you strongly supported him, you would have given him the 2% merit he earned based on a rating of exceeding the standard.

I might add that the City Commission is Mr. Fehr's supervisor. Where was the self-critique for the Commission's woeful lack of oversight in this matter?

A friend of mine once described Manhattan as being like a great big high school. Everyone knows everyone else. No one wants to offend the other guy. Everyone wants to be friends. Being in the right clique is important. It seems to me Mr. Fehr's appraisal last week was a classic reflection of that savvy observation.

Ron Fehr is a bright, articulate, professional city manager. In this matter, he and the city deserved more from the City Commission than just a lame attempt at political correctness.

First published in the Manhattan Free Press, January 24, 2007.