The Adrian City Commission will begin interviewing candidates for interim city administrator Aug. 20, after officials spent nearly two hours debating the search process Aug. 10.
The special meeting was held for discussion only, and no formal action was taken. Commissioner Robert Behnke, who previously expressed interest in serving as interim administrator, didn’t participate in the discussion — which mostly focused on whether the commission should seek public input and how broad the search should be.
Several residents questioned why officials need public input on a decision that falls entirely within their purview.
“I feel like the citizens again are being tasked with doing the job of the commission,” said resident Carrie Smith, arguing the city charter and a previously hired search firm already outlined the position’s duties and qualifications.
“I might go so far as to say the commission is broken right now and you lack effective leadership,” said resident Don Taylor.
Nicole Rodriguez urged commissioners not to appoint Behnke, saying voters elected him to hold the administration accountable from the dais.
Commissioner Matthew Schwartz advocated tapping the city’s human resources director to recruit candidates and beginning multiple rounds of interviews quickly. Commissioner Aaron Chesher said feedback from residents on Behnke has been mixed, but included support because he’s already familiar with local operations.
Mayor Angela Heath cautioned against delaying the process or expanding the search too broadly, but noted Behnke should be interviewed alongside other candidates.
“This is a big decision to make and we can’t just jump into it for the sake of convenience,” she said.
Commissioner Mary Roberts largely agreed with public comments that selecting an interim administrator is the responsibility of officials, and questioned the need for the special meeting in the first place.
The body expects to review applicants Aug. 17 and narrow the field before holding initial interviews at 4 p.m. Aug. 20.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Adrian residents frustrated by officials’ need for ‘public input’
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, The Daily Telegram / The Daily Telegram
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Corey J. Murray, The Daily Telegram | USA TODAY Network
