NCJ Number
63698
Journal
Public Management Volume: 59 Issue: 2 Dated: (FEBRUARY 1977) Pages: 2-6
Date Published
1977
Length
5 pages
Annotation
WRITTEN BY THE CITY MANAGER OF CLEARWATER, FLA., THIS ARTICLE DISCUSSES VARIOUS TECHNIQUES THE CITY MANAGER CAN USE TO HELP REPAIR PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN A GOVERNMENT THAT HAS SUFFERED A SCANDAL INVOLVING ITS EMPLOYEES.
Abstract
MOVING QUICKLY TO BUILD AND SOLIDIFY PUBLIC SUPPORT, THE CITY MANAGER MUST PROVIDE POSITIVE LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRITY. THE CITY COUNCIL MUST BE KEPT WELL INFORMED AND BE GIVEN FULL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCANDAL. THE CITY COUNCIL'S SUPPORT FOR THE CITY MANAGER CAN COALESCE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE. IN ADDITION, THE CITY MANAGER MUST BE CANDID AND RESPONSIVE TO THE PRESS AND SEEK THE INTEREST AND SUPPORT OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES. ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO AID THE CITY MANAGER IS THE LOCAL LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS WHICH CAN HEAVILY INFLUENCE PUBLIC OPINION FOR SUPPORT. CITY MANAGERS IN OTHER NEARBY COMMUNITIES CAN ALSO OFFER VALUABLE COUNSEL. THE MANAGER HAS A POSITIVE OBLIGATION TO BE CERTAIN THAT THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED PARTIES ARE FULLY PROTECTED AND TO ENSURE THAT MUNICIPAL PRACTICES THAT MAY BE OUTDATED OR IN NEED OF REFORM ARE CORRECTED. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE AND SUNSHINE LAWS, AS WELL AS PUBLIC RECORD ACTS, SHOULD BE FOLLOWED IN ORDER TO INCREASE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE GOVERNMENT. REFERENCES ARE CITED. FOR RELATED ARTICLES, SEE NCJ 63697 AND 63699. (MJW)