Questions About Speaking Up - There have been a few posts recently about employees who might want to speak up about certain issues but who say they are are afraid to. One person posted that we have a "need to have a place to put your opinions without fear of retribution." While I think this blog provides such a place, I want to make a few other comments on the subject.
I've been in local government a little more than 20 years, and for more than half of that time have supervised at least 200 people, and as many as 1600. One of the things I've heard time and again is that people are "afraid" to speak out or speak up for fear of some type of retaliation. I don't want to minimize how difficult it is sometimes for a subordinate employee to raise issues that have to do with a supervisor, or say that no supervisor has ever engaged in retaliatory conduct.

What I will say is that in all honesty I have never seen that happen, and to emphasize that such conduct would not, and will not be tolerated in this organization. I have stressed over and over in my career that "nothing bad will happen to anyone who speaks up for himself." It really is as simple as that. If there are people who believe this type of thing happens and I am unaware of it, I encourage you to call my office - I take every phone call, anonymous or not. I will gladly investigate.

But there is another side to that coin. As public employees, if we are aware of problems, wrongdoing, or mistreatment of some sort and do nothing then we are not living up to the responsibility we have to the taxpayers we work for. We're not here only to do what's easy, we're here to do what's right, and nobody under this administration will be punished for doing what's right. That is part of what accountability is about, and there's been a lot of conversation about accountability around here lately.

Does this mean anyone can throw around any allegation they wish with impunity, or that everyone gets their way? Certainly not, we are all responsible for the things we do or say, and often different people see different things as fair or right. But if there are issues out there that need to be addressed, speak up! This will be a better organization, and Sarasota will be a better city for it.

Baby Boomers, Brothers, and Blogs - Denise and I had the pleasure of spending this evening in one of the City of Sarasota's finest facilities, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The occasion was slightly more casual than the average trip to the Van Wezel, as it was a performance by the 70's-80's rock band The Doobie Brothers. As one born smack in the middle of the baby boom, the show for me was a ride in a time machine only better, because it wasn't just nostalgia, it was a night of great, fresh music and a lot of fun. I know I'm showing my age, but is anyone making music like that today?

But more to the point it was one of those evenings that reminded me how lucky we are to be living in this city, in this time. Along with all of the other things that make Sarasota unique, there is of course our cultural heritage. We have the visual arts, the Opera, the West Coast Symphony, the Sarasota Ballet, Circus Sarasota, our fine theaters, and many other things. But for tonight, may I just say, Long Live Rock and Roll!!

Job Opportunities - Many of you have heard recently that I had been included in a group of three finalists competing for a County Administrator's position in Eagle, Colorado. Early this morning I notified the people in Eagle that I was no longer a candidate for that position.

On one hand, it was very difficult to say "no" to the friendly, professional and open people in Eagle County, both at the staff level and on the County Commission. Any manager would be lucky to work with such high-quality people. Clearly they have a first class organization, with a jurisdiction as spectacularly beautiful as any I can imagine.

On the other hand, as the interview process ended and I returned to Sarasota, I couldn't escape the feeling that I had yet to live up to the commitment I made to this organization when I was hired four years ago. The team and organization we are building here is still a work in progress, and a lot of the work that has yet to be done is mine. In his recent book Leadership, Former New York City Mayor Rudy Guliani points out that one of the most critical components of leadership is loyalty. In the final analysis, I didn't see how I could be much of a leader if I ignored that principle.

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been in a position to have even been considered for the job in Eagle County, and know that it is the accomplishments and hard work of the employees of the City of Sarasota, and those of Collier County, Florida where I formerly worked which made that possible. But I am also fortunate, and honored, to have the great job that I have, to be the City Manager of the City of Sarasota.

To everyone who passed a good word my way as this process progressed, a sincere thanks, with a special thanks to those residents of the city I hadn't previously met, but who stopped me in the supermarket or the gym or on the sidewalk to wish me well and say they appreciate the way things are going in the city. I'll do my best to see that your support is well-founded!