Knutson choice for financial, administrative skills
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Editor,
A great deal of time and energy has been spent debating the correct form of government for the City of Polson. This debate will most likely continue eternally, as some citizens will always believe that a volunteer who resides within the city limits is best suited to act as our city chief executive officer. However, it is critical to remember that the strong mayor form of government would bring politics back to the mayor’s office, leave this person as the sole authority over all departments within the city, and would limit authority of the City’s six elected council members.
While I fully believe there are a number of people within our city that possess the financial and administrative skills to manage a budget in excess of $5 million and the human resources skills to supervise the City’s 80-plus employees, I have doubts that any of these highly qualified and highly compensated people would consider this job. This position would also be subject to the election process, bringing both politics and election terms into consideration. This could lead to an otherwise highly qualified individual being removed from office solely because of the lack of political skills.
Heather Knutson supports the current “City Manager” form of government for the above reasons, but also for the most critically important reason: Polson’s city residents voted to approve this form of government. Please visit her website, www.knutsonforpolsonmayor.com, and read a blog on this topic to learn more about her position.
The city council and mayor work for the citizens of Polson who voted and elected these representatives into office. As a local business owner and operator, Heather understands the need for strong financial and administrative management for our city. A professional city manager will allow for continued input from our City’s residents directly to the Council, diffuses the power of special interests and eliminates politics from the employment and contracting decisions within the City.
Please join me in supporting Heather Knutson for Mayor of Polson this fall.
Gordon Zimmerman
Polson
