M
IND The next city manager
To the Sun: Selecting the next city manager may be the most important decision the current Parsons City Commission will make. Although the commission makes policy and the manager executes it, in reality, the process is often not that simple. The manager brings perspectives and experiences to the commission that will help shape policy.
I believe a professionally trained city manager from outside the area is a prudent choice. Such a person is capable of observing the status quo with a different set of eyes and will bring experience and perspectives about what worked well, or not, in other places. A city manager who is not from Parsons can bring objectivity that cannot be duplicated by a local person.
Although my wife and I are not Parsonians, we love Parsons. We find access to health care superior to what we experienced in a city. Parsons Recreation Commission is an admirable feature of the community, with sports programs for youngsters, fitness for all ages, classes and meeting facilities. We love driving in a town with four stoplights. Katy Days is a great festival and Music in the Park is a slice of Americana. The library is a hub of activities for all ages and builds community. We miss, though, the lighted sign at the busiest intersection in town that proudly boasted pictures and names of newborns. We love seeing young families with children. The police department promotes good public relations. The Parsons Senior Center is a vibrant facility. The community choir and orchestra are remarkable assets. Thankfully, there is still a newspaper. This is what we see.
On the other hand, like all of SEK, there is decline. We struggle to keep our young people here. There is a need for more quality affordable housing. There are workforce issues. There is poverty. The movie theater closed. There are many vacant buildings, especially restaurants. Eating out on weekends can be challenging.
There is hope. Humboldt has experienced revival. I believe hope for Parsons will be enhanced with the selection of a visionary city manager from outside the area who has good relationship skills. May Parsons city commissioners find and hire such a person. — STAN BASLER, rural Galesburg
