The Sea Cliff Village is in reality a business. It deals with a lot of money. It needs good administration. But people, not only in Sea Cliff, but in other villages tend to elect a mayor without that kind of training or capabilities. The fastest growing form of government in America, and one founded in this country, has been a village or city manager instead of an elected mayor in charge of day to day activities. Having a village manager means putting someone in charge trained to be an administrator. A village such as ours needs and I believe is ready to accept a different approach to village government. It is an opportunity for a blend of political leadership by elected officials and professional management. The power of local government remains with the board of trustees and the village manager serves at their pleasure. A good village manager provides real direction in today's more complicated political environment. A village manager is the most efficient and professional way to run our village. In such an environment a part-time elected volunteer mayor is not suited to guide us through difficult and complicated times. A part-time mayor does not have the time nor the ability to micromanage every part of our village's operation; it simply does not work well. We need to put someone in charge with administrative abilities and hold them accountable.

The position of village manager would combine the position of mayor and village administrator.

The requirements of this position would be:

1. Thorough knowledge of municipal management and community problems.

2. Thorough understanding of administrative organization, design and evaluation.

3. Thorough knowledge of financial administration and the design of financial accounting and reporting system.

4. Thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of public personnel administration.

5. Thorough knowledge of municipal government programs and decision making process.

6. Working knowledge of state and federal programs and grants.

7. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

8. Ability to listen to others.

9. Possess conflict resolution skills.

10. Ability to direct and supervise others and to delegate.

11. Ability to organize and use time effectively.

12. Manager must be positive and direct in striving to achieve results and must be able to motivate others to act through persuasiveness and generate enthusiasm.

13. Ability to act independently and without precedent in the face of problems.

Does either of our candidates for mayor possess either the skills or training mentioned above? Would we not be better served by eliminating the position of part-time elected volunteer mayor, for a full time educated and experienced and paid village manager? The village administrator's salary is currently about $72,000 annually and the mayor is paid about $5,000 annually. If we combine these positions, we could pay a village manager about $77,000 to $80,000 annually. It would be well worth the price to obtain good leadership and management. In life you get what you pay for, a volunteer is doing the village a favor, a paid manager is held accountable for their actions.

Dr. P.J. Gorski