I feel it’s important to once again draw attention to the fact that a position key to the future wellbeing of our community will soon be decided. I’m strongly encouraging the members of the Baker City Council to seat a manager search committee. I believe that a decision as to who our next city manager is should be informed by residents of various vocations and backgrounds from our town.

We have assembled city committees to help guide other significant decisions; examples include the city’s budget, public works, parks and recreation, and design review committees to name a few. Why is the committee process important? As a representative municipal government, it is vital to have multiple citizen concerns aired and additional eyes on the allocation of our tax dollars and resources, as well as allowing opportunities to hear insight as to how policy and leadership decisions will affect, not just the seven particular representatives on council, but the greater host of Baker City’s taxpayers and residents.

City councilors are only one part of this municipal representative process. They are not “all knowing final authorities on all things Baker City,” nor do I think (or hope) any would claim to be. Therefore, council should welcome the chance to include Baker City residents’ input and experience when making deeply impactful decisions that potentially shape the community for decades to come. Besides, we pay for the manager, we should get to help pick the manager.

So, Baker City Council, assemble the search committee. My concern is that failure to do so could well lead to yet another regrettable crisis in confidence between the community, the next city manager and the council that appointed them; precipitating a strained relationship with residents and city hall, ultimately, leading to yet one more premature vacancy in the manager’s office. That wouldn’t be beneficial for anyone. We now have before us a good opportunity to get off on the right foot. Let’s avail ourselves of it.

Davey Peterson

Baker City