Opinion

IT’S THE VISION THING
President Bush I

Recently Royston city manager, Brian McDougal, resigned after only ten months on the job. This took the general public by surprise. Elected city officials generally expressed surprise and professed satisfaction with the manager’s performance. It was apparent that the decision to resign was his alone.

Not nearly so apparent were the reasons for Mr. McDougal’s departure; however, nothing constructive either for the city or Mr. McDougal would come from rehashing any conflicts that might have led to his resignation. His statement that the vision he had for the city and the vision (or visions) of the elected officials never seemed to come together should suffice.

The "vision" statement could serve the mayor and council well in a search for McDougal’s replacement. It is crucial that they and the new city manager be on the same page if a long-term relationship is to develop. Both need to know what to expect and what is expected.

It will not be easy. Small-town politics is a "dicey" game. This is not a slam on anyone, and Royston is not unique. There will always be the short-term "vision" of making the city work. This means the garbage must be picked up, the streets must be maintained, the water, sewer, and gas utilities must work, and the bill collecting must be accurate and efficient.

That is just the short list, and glitches will occur. Citizens will gripe to their elected officials, and the officials will react. Life goes on. Whoever takes the job will need a tough hide.

Whether there will be a longer-term "vision" for Royston is up to the mayor and council. It is problematic if they and/or the new city manager can develop one. Equally as questionable is whether the majority of the citizens even want one….or care.

If we have any idea about what we want the city’s future to be, the time to speak up is now. Reacting after the fact will not get it done.

We regret the departure of Mr. McDougal and wish him well. We wish the council and mayor well in their search for a replacement. Theirs is not an easy task.