First, let me start by thanking Dick Wollangk for his service over the past 10 years as our City Manager and his elected service prior to that. He has given many years to this community and his effort should not be overlooked. Despite the outcome, he still deserves respect. Over the past couple of years, he has taken quite a bit from members of the community (including criticism from myself) over his performance. Although we don't see eye to eye on how the city should be run, he did give a great deal to do the job.
Now, as I said before, where do we go from here? Now that Mr. Wollangk will retire effective October 13th, we need to know what will happen next. (By the way, how does an "at will" employee get a SEVERANCE package at RETIREMENT that totals $113k?).
Tony talks about the appointment of a yet to be established interim manager while the community hashes out the inevitable task of deciding... Mayor or Manager?
I am seriously torn on the issue. I have said in the past that I don't like the elected Mayor senario. I believe that a City Manager form of government can be strong if the correct person is in the job. We need a strong leader. One that is not afraid to get his hands dirty and ensure that the department heads are doing the job up to standards. One that cannot be afraid to discipline those same department heads or terminate them for sub-par performance. Unfortunately, that may come at a price. Equivilant cities pay >$130k for such a manager. I think that the added expense may be worth it. It also gives the council the ability to screen candidates with resumes and interviews. The media has very little to do with the final choice.
Now we look at the flip side of the coin. If there was an elected Mayor, we have the opportunity to elect, at large, the leader of the city. It no longer has anything to do with the council and the voters (all 21%) will make the decision who will run the city and how it is done. No more reliance on the Common Council to make the daily decisions. No more worrying about the "goals" set by the council. The Mayor will have to "put up or shut up" or risk being ousted in the next election. The flood gates will open. If you think that the Castle/Esslinger race was expensive (over $20k combined) stand back. This will make that one look small. The ONW will take sides, the political parties will get involved (despite the "non partisan" tag) and there will be quite a mud slinging affair between the "sides" that will form. It will be a popularity contest like you have never seen before and we will be lucky if we get a candidate that can find his ass with both hands and a flashlight to run the city. Believe me, that is what happened in Sheboygan for many years. It was run by someone who nobody would challenge and he ran the city down. Now they are scrambling to recover and if you have watched the news, it isn't easy.
I have never been a fan of the Mayor form of government. Especially in a city that doesn't vote and the ones that do vote don't pay attention (how else can you explain polar opposites winning an election?). If Oshkosh is going to see one, this will be the time. I am not sure what choice I will make when I go to the polls... perhaps I will write about it at a later time. From the looks of it, I have 'till November to think about it.
I will run a poll. Tell me what you think.
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44 comments:
I think we should have a mayor with alderpersons. The alderpersons should be designated districts like the county board. That way every part of the city is equally represented. The make the BOE numbered seats, so good people do not get voted out because someone with name recognition and/or money buys their way back in.
Toe-to-toe competition might spur more people to vote. The only ones who would oppose this are those who would lose under these circumstances.
Congratulations to all 7 council members for unanimously agreeing to drive the change at City Hall. By your actions today, you’ve set the tone for progressive change to our City government. You have made it clear, in no uncertain terms; City Hall will not be conducting “business as usual”.
Your next task will be to select the next Oshkosh City Manager. Although no one disagrees that Mr. Wollangk was not deeply committed to Oshkosh, many would agree his leadership and managerial style was not in the best interests of the taxpayer. We now hope you approach Mr. Wollangks replacement in a systematic approach, and attempt to identify a strong willed, proven city planner and leader who will be able to take the change you’ve started this evening and drive it throughout the entire city administration.
Although it was undoubtedly a difficult task, you’ve all served your City well today.
Just as long as Esslinger isn't the mayor in the newly elected format.
Oshkosh needs a Mayor-Alderman form of government. I think that you sell the voters short on this issue. I think the ones that vote in local elections are the ones that know more about local government issues more than any other citizen. They watch the city council meetings, they follow the issues, they are involved in community groups, and they should be selecting the leader of the city, who should be called a "MAYOR" not a "CITY MANAGER".
If the voters know so much, how did Becker and Bowen get even vote counts? Those 2 aren't even close with their politics.
9:57 --
Are you suggesting someone can not learn these issues?
Obviously, someone with a local background will be more familiar with local government issues than someone brought in from the outside, but it does not take all that long to figure out what's going on in this city.
What does take a while to learn are good management skills. By going to a mayoral form of gov't the entire city has to presume that there will always be someone willing, and more importantly, able to run a city.
Oshkosh went to a council-manager system in 1956 -- so any drastic changes to the system now will mean they will could last 50 years ... is it really worth scraping the whole system or should we first try to change a few cogs?
Why Becker and Bowen?
What other choices did we have?
We chose the lesser of the evils.
Besides that who could afford that many shovels??
The new street cleaner really has a challenge!
I think Frank Tower is doing a fantastic job in his role of Mayor.
First he was the swing vote to fix a discrepancy in how sidewalks are installed.
Now he as the Mayor is pushing to make a change in city hall and the way it runs.
Many people say Wollangk was put in his job by the "good ol boys" network. Well I think the good ol boys thought they had a lap dog with Frank Tower, but he's showing they don't!
Way to go Frank!!! You rate really high marks in my book.
Congratulations???? to all 7 council members for unanimously agreeing to drive a wedgie the size of the Fox River into the heart of Oshkosh.
By your actions we will now have the same problem as the OASD
no agreements, no direction, instead of a district problem we can add city wide issues. How many different scenios will the citizens of Oshkosh debate?
If we change to an elected mayor, I hope Esslinger runs and makes it!
Kent asks how an at will employee gets a retirement and severance package for 117K. Easily. Wollangk was forced out. Retirement is a nice word to use when describing how his employment is ending. The guy was terminated. He had a clause in his contract paying for his ouster.
Kent, I continue to be disappointed by your postings. You say, "Well Mr Wollangk, it is time to step up to the plate and show the city that you have the stones to do the job. Failure to do so may result in your dismissal by the council. As they say, the fat lady hasn't begun to sing. But you can bet she is warming up..." Now you thank him for his years of service to his community and that his effort should not be overlooked. You are a vocal citizen on the sidelines. But the more I think about it, that's a good place for you.
Here is the question that Evil Eye on Oshkosh asks: "Who's to blame for the city manager problems leading to his early retirement."
Hey Cheryl, can you for once stop with the negative crap and look forward? If anyone is to blame, look in the mirror. With your pathetic "journalism" you slammed him as much or more than anyone else.
Now get over yourself, stop lying in your "stories" and get a life!
8:05.
I prefer to feel that our 7 council members drove that "wedgie" the size of the Fox River into the heart of the Good 'ol Boys Network and the administration in City Hall.
Time to shake up the Oshkosh Good 'ol Boys network and the status quo in city hall.
Simply outstanding!!
I do agree this council's got the stones to finally change Oshkosh for the better. They have a majority of votes who are not lap dogs to the status quo.
and the same thing will happen to
a new manager he/she will be unable to cope with the evil media
from the local ONW or the Evil Eye
Today's media has vicious ways of twisting, turning, and stirring the truth.
I always see reference to the good ol' boys network. Can someone drop some names so we know who that is? I think Castle is in there, and Dell-Antonia, but there has got to be more...
Anonymous 11:58, you have tried to make a point and use some of my postings against me. Bravo, you can read.
Did I say that Mr. Wollangk would have to step up to keep his job? Yes. Did I say that he SHOULD keep his job? I said that it would depend. Did he ALWAYS do a BAD job? NO he didn't.
Mr. Wollangk served as the City Manager for 10 years and on the City Council before that. He is a life long member of this community and his contributions should be commended. Did I think he has done a wonderful job? I think my previous postings can speak for themselves. I have been just as critical of Mr. Wollangk as many others. The difference is, I can now set my opinion aside and thank the man for his dedicated service for more than a decade.
Can other people say that?
As for being on the sidelines, I think I like the "armchair quarterback" position much more than the spotlight. At least now I don't have to please anyone. Those who don't like me never will and I really don't care.
If you aren't one of those, have a nice evening.
Anonymous 8:16, Contractors, attorneys, real estate developers, current and ex-politicians, business executives, financial agency executives and lenders, these are just some who make up the "Good 'ol Boy" network. I'd rather not name names but as you can see, the group is diverse and is able to apply clout. They seem to be on the losing end of the current council make-up. I credit allot of that to Frank Tower. As others have said, Frank's actions and voting record are a pleasant surprise.
Mr./Mrs. 9:55. Do you remember Frank Tower's previous stint on the council? He was one of the good 'ol boys. And as far as I'm concerned, he still is one of the good 'ol boys. Outside of the River Mill vote, what has he done to prove otherwise?
9:55 I believe the reason you do not "name names" is because you do not have names to name. It is very easy to make generic claims of a "Good 'ol Boy" network anywhere anytime. These claims are generally made by people who do not know what is going on in a particular situation and do not have the cognitive abilities to learn. Your conspiracy theories are tiring, please put up or shut up.
My opinion is this.
I think there is strong validity to the City Manager method of city operations. I feel that because of the turmoil that occurred in 1996, most of the highly qualified applicants either withdrew their application, or chose not to apply because of the uncertainty of the time (City Manager vs Strong Mayor)
I feel Palmeri has a point in that we should move quickly to remove the question, before we attempt a nationwide City Manager search.
Ultimately my feeling is Oshkosh would be best served by a charismatic, strong, visionary, no-nonsense leader (some say Patton style) occupying the City Managers Office. We do not need another home town administrator in that role.
I am confused. You are anonymous, but you won't name drop. Makes me think the network is a figment of someone's imagination.
Wait...I think I understand. The opposite of the good ol boys network are the cobblestoners.
I know which group I would want having the bigger say in Oshkosh.
I imagine you are confused. You never expected to lose control even with Castle, Maddox and Scheurmann gone.
By your answer, you simply confirm that the group exists. Visit the OCC and have a drink with the Crew.
You ask Where do we go from Here?
After October 13th....
we are up SHIT Creek without a paddle.
Especially if the council goes forward with a referendum dum dum in November.
The city will be in enough turmoil within driving the wedgie further.
OK 11:19, since you also posted here I may as well address your comments again. Here are some bits about your "charismatic, strong, visionary, no-nonsense leader" courtesy of Wikipedia. Patton was "a brilliant military leader whose record was marred by insubordination and some periods of apparent instability."
"Patton's bloodthirsty speeches resulted in controversy when it was claimed one inspired the Biscari Massacre, in which American troops killed seventy-six prisoners of war, although Patton was cleared of any wrong-doing."
"Soldiers stationed in the Pacific theater of war were not pleased with what was going on in the European continent and disliked him for his perceived disregard for the lives of his troops." And that is what you want? Oshkosh may as well pull the plug now.
The question posed on this blog thread is "Where do we go from here?"
The answer 8:10 is this:
Oshkosh doesn't need another townie adminstrator like Dick Wollangk was. Dick was a nice guy, but he doesn't have the skills to lead a huge employee group like the city has.
Oshkosh needs someone who is a charismatic, strong, visionary, no-nonsense leader to be our City Manager.
If some people choose to call that type of person a "Patton" style leader or a "Bill O'Reily" style leader or a "Mickey Mouse" style leader, its OK with me, the title isn't as important as the results are! It's really important the new Manager has those traits!
Frank Tower seems to be a qualified leader as Mayor elected by the majority; I suggest we have him serve as interim CM/CEO/Strong Mayor whatever you want to call him.
Let's give Frank a vote of confidence to go forward as our interim Leader.
Who knows he may be just what the city needs.
Fill the vacant council seat with the candidate with the next highest votes in the last election.
I guess no one on this blog is willing to take responsibility for their opinions, thus all the anonymous posts. how can a community make progress if no one is willing to stand in what they believe.
4:47pm. Seek counseling immediately!
And you, 'working to make a living,' exactly how is your moniker not keeping you anonymous?
Well Frank, this is what I believe:
Oshkosh doesn't need another townie adminstrator like Dick Wollangk was. Dick was a nice guy, but he doesn't have the skills to lead a huge employee group like the city has.
Oshkosh needs someone who is a charismatic, strong, visionary, no-nonsense leader to be our City Manager.
Make sense to you?
11:19, 6:54 (2 separate days), is this all you have to say? Repeating yourself over and over does not make your comment become credible, in fact, it becomes less crebible. Sometimes it's OK to be quiet. Please give it a rest!
Please, could someone come up with a more descriptive term than "stones" to express what that word attempts to say? The first thirty or so times it was used perhaps it was at least passable but it has become merely vulgar without saying much of anything.
Use a thesaurus for God's sake. Have some respect for the language.
tesitcles, kahunas, twins, junk, balls, intestinal fortitude, gumption, courage. How's that for a start?
I agree with what Stew R. published in the Sunday paper today.
Here’s the thing, I agree, there doesn't appear to be support to change from a City Manager to a Strong Mayor...BUT if a referenda question is not placed on the ballot in November to confirm that, a group like CORD may arise and collect names to force a referenda. If that happens, any good candidate will withdraw their name just as we saw in 1996.
Although I'm not for spending money, the money spent to put this on a November ballot and have it cleared up, will likely give us the ability to attract even better candidates. They will know Oshkosh is serious about selecting a highly competent, charismatic, strong, visionary, no-nonsense leader.
And one more time because he cannot get enough of it: "highly competent, charismatic, strong, visionary, no-nonsense leader."
A point of clarification -- Stew R. did not write anything about a referendum being placed on the ballot. The editorial page writers wrote what you're referring to. Stew wrote about the council telling us what was discussed in the closed session meeting.
This is EXACTLY the type of Manager Oshkosh needs right now!
"A highly competent, charismatic, strong, visionary, no-nonsense leader."
Thanks for clearing that up Stu (9:18)
Just trying to help you and this blog be accurate (12:43). Guess it hit a nerve with you. Touchy touchy.
Didn't hit a nerve 1:00, it's just obvious who you are.
Yup, so obvious you can't spell the name correctly. You've got 2 eyes and still you're blind.
Based on Cheryl Hentz's latest writing, it looks like BIAS on Oshkosh must have severed all ties with Tony Palmeri. Cheryl Hentz just can't seem to keep a friend.
Hey Kent...how about a piece on the upcoming budget? What you want, what you don't want, what cuts should be made, etc.
I find it interesting to read two somewhat polar opposite columns in the Sunday paper today.
1) The Letter to the Editor about the Omachinski issue.
2) The lead story about City Unions moving to arbitration.
On one hand, you have a man with extraordinary fiscal responsibility, driven to “make tough decisions that maintain profitability for the company”. The shareholders demand better value, so he did what was needed to maintain “financial long-term success of the company” Additional costs of labor simply could not be passed on the consumer.
Then we hear that several city unions have taken Oshkosh’s last offer to arbitration. It appears that these unions believe they deserve more than the contract that was approved by the police unions. These union members who already have 95% of their healthcare paid by Oshkosh property taxpayers feel that the wage increase they’ve been offered (on top of those extraordinary healthcare benefits) isn’t enough. They want more!
So many people line up to support Mr. Omachinski and his position to cut jobs and do whatever it took to maintain profitability and shareholder value in a private corporation, yet when we taxpayers are funding healthcare and providing raises to our city workers that are well over and above what most of us obtain WE are called insensitive and uncaring. Something is terribly wrong with our labor system.
I think laws need to be changed to level the playing field.
Municipal union employees should not be held in higher regard than any other labor group. Jobs in the private sector are downsized and wages are re-organized on a regular basis. It’s often called “Supply and demand”. I’m fairly certain there would be a long line at city hall to fill some of these city union jobs just for the healthcare coverage without any wage increases at all. Supply and demand.
Two polar opposite and troubling articles. More reason to believe there is much work to be done at city hall when our new manager comes aboard.
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