Let me be clear: My job is not available. I enjoy my job very much. I like the work. I like the people I work with. I like the pay and benefits. And, with the exception of the one time each year when I help serve the annual employee appreciation holiday luncheon, I don’t have to wear a hairnet at work.
Well, that’s not the way it is for city managers around the country. I had the following article from the New York Times pushed to me by the Minnesota City Management Association staff: ‘Unfilled City Manager Posts Hint at Future Gap’. The article discusses a current and perhaps widening gap in the number of city managers available to fill existing and future vacant positions around the country.
Eden Prairie is the fourth stop in my career. It’s the best job I’ve ever had. Prior to coming here in worked in similar positions in Northfield, Minnesota; Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; and Norris, Tennessee. City management is a great career. Whenever I can, I encourage young people and students to consider it as a future career.
I’ve had good fortune in my career. I’ve been lucky to have good jobs in good communities from Norris, Tennessee to Eden Prairie, Minnesota – and everywhere in between. It hasn’t always been an easy job, but I’ve enjoyed it so far.
