PORTLAND — Last fall, Portland voters endorsed a new form of city government in which an elected mayor would lead the city with a clear and sustained vision for Portland.

The change won’t be a radical one, though.

The new mayor has limits of power and will need to work collaboratively with other city councilors.

Meanwhile, day-to-day operations at City Hall will continue to be run by a professional city manager.

But while former city managers had nine bosses on the City Council — a circumstance that often bred confusion and an absence of accountability — the next city manager will have only one boss and a clearer sense of direction.

Last week, City Manager Joe Gray retired from his post at City Hall, just a few months before Portland welcomes its first elected mayor.

But instead of waiting to let the new mayor direct the search for a new management team that will help realize our city’s best opportunities, the Portland City Council is rushing to fill the soon-to-be-vacant city manager’s position before the clock runs out on the old system.

As a leader on the campaign for the new city charter, I heard from voters about how important it is that we pick the absolute best candidate for the manager’s position.

Past efforts have been hampered by a lack of time available on the council, often leading to hiring from within for the sake expediency.

The manager and the new mayor will work closely together on nearly every issue in the city, especially the operating budget, where the mayor will have broad oversight and veto power.

Chemistry and a good working relationship between the two individuals will be of paramount importance.

Hiring a manager before hiring the chief executive won’t just sandbag the new mayor’s efforts to move this city forward.

It also will limit Portland’s ability to attract top-tier candidates for the manager’s position.

Think about it: Would you apply for a job if you don’t first have the opportunity to meet your new boss?

Instead, the new mayor should lead a comprehensive, nationwide search to attract the best and the brightest candidates in the field to help implement the mayor’s vision and run the day-to-day operations of the city.

Having an elected mayor for the first time in nearly a century, and a new city manager for the first time in a decade, presents a huge opportunity for the city.

Portland is getting a new lease on life, and this cannot become yet another opportunity squandered on petty City Hall turf battles that do nothing to move us forward.

At a time when most cities in the country are seeing opportunities decline, Portland is a rising star among elite, small cities in America. Each year we have more to boast about, and our momentum is only beginning.

Now we must find the best way to harness this energy and make Portland the best city it can be.

Filling the city manger position before the new manager can meet the mayor is irresponsible and unproductive and runs counter to the wishes of the voters.

The City Council should stop the search and wait until the residents of Portland choose their next mayor in November. 

– Special to the Press Herald