Help Wanted: City Manager. Cat herding experience a plus.

Well, shit. Jeff Koostra, Clinton City Manager is resigning to pursue an opportunity as city manager in Waukee, Iowa. First, let me just say that I wish Jeff the best of luck. He is an intelligent, honest, hard-working person in a very difficult position. I've met some sleazeballs in municipal governments (not necessarily confined to Clinton) over the years and Jeff stands out as a good guy.

You never know what you've got 'till its gone. I suspect we will have ample opportunities to miss Jeff Koistra in the next couple of years. On the other hand every time a door closes another one opens and all that. Perhaps we'll get lucky and lure in some young go-getter, who knows?

That said, I have to ask why he would resign before he has another position, unless the Waukee thing is a done deal after all. The Herald article is unclear on this. Looks like they rushed to press to get the story out and couldn't get any statements from Jeff or Waukee officials.

I'm also sure that I'm not alone in the opinion that Clinton has a lot going on right now. None of us who are working on the various things that the City has, or needs to have some involvement in, are especially looking forward to breaking in a new guy or gal. So, while Jeff has to do what Jeff has to do it's really going to blow for the rest of us.

I'm sure there will be more on this.

Post Script08/21/06, 0630 cdt. Over the weekend I am told by City sources that Jeff Koistra is the final choice for the position and that all that remains is for the Waukee City Council to confirm his appointment at their next meeting this week.