Seth Winterhalter has some thoughts on work-life balance, leaders needing chaos to thrive, and the let down that achievers can feel once they accomplish major goals. An executive coach and owner of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, Seth seeks to help city and county managers escape burnout, set boundaries, and experience breakthroughs in work-life balance. He recently rebranded his podcast to focus on local government executives and content. He has started rolling out interviews with city managers, too. I encourage you all to check it out and will link to it in the show notes. Also in this episode, I went "off script" and put myself on the couch a little bit. It was an unplanned detour and I thought about cutting my personal elements out of the podcast -- but I think the resulting discussion may prove beneficial to some of you so I left it in. SHOW NOTES: Seth Winterhalter's LinkedIn profile and website for HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions Link to The HaltingWinter Podcast EPISODE SPONSOR: This episode is sponsored by KUDO. Make your council meetings accessible with translated audio and live captions into 45+ languages. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Only listeners of the City Manager Unfiltered podcast can sign up for a FREE, no risk, no obligation one-month trial offer. Use this link: https://kudo.ai/cmu/ SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In my first installment of my new "Side Hustle Sunday" series, I discuss the power of leveraging real estate to create wealth with Noel Bernal. Noel started his real estate investment journey in his early 20's before he became a public sector executive. He, along with his wife, have increased their real estate holdings over time and expanded into larger real estate transactions through syndication deals. We both preach the importance of city and county managers adding additional income streams to their portfolio so that they can weather separations and also maintain some control over their own destiny when it comes to working in toxic environments. Passive and secondary income streams give you options and prevent you from being trapped in soul crushing situations where you might feel forced to put up with abusive and unprofessional treatment by elected officials because you are fearful of not being able to put food on your family's table. My initial plan is to release an episode on the first Sunday of every month featuring interviews with government employees who are working on a side hustle or highlight someone outside of local government who is engaged in a side hustle that I think might inspire you to start your own journey towards securing financial independence. If you or someone you know has an interesting side hustle that they want to share with my audience, please reach out and contact me. SHOW NOTES: Noel Bernal's LinkedIn profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelbernal/) Noel is the Founder & CEO of Main St. Public Financial (https://mainstpublic.com/) EPISODE SPONSOR: This episode is sponsored by KUDO. Make your council meetings accessible with translated audio and live captions into 45+ languages. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Only listeners of the City Manager Unfiltered podcast can sign up for a FREE, no risk, no obligation one-month trial offer. Use this link: https://kudo.ai/cmu/ SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Confident. Certain. Poised. Prepared. Jorge Garcia, a first-time city manager in Pismo Beach, California, embodies all of these adjectives. He has spent many years readying himself for this moment -- his first assignment as a chief executive officer for a municipal corporation. He is only one year into his tenure, but as you listen to this interview, you will come away with the impression that he's sat in "the chair" for a decade plus! Jorge is the next generation of public sector leadership and he models a wonderful example for those aspiring to become city managers. There are several really good nuggets in this conversation and in particular, his communications strategy with his elected officials designed to build trust and create confidence. SHOW NOTES: Jorge Garcia's LinkedIn profile Pismo Beach public works director vacancy with an 11/15/2024 application deadline can be found here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pismobeach EPISODE SPONSOR: This episode is sponsored by KUDO. Make your council meetings accessible with translated audio and live captions into 45+ languages. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Only listeners of the City Manager Unfiltered podcast can sign up for a FREE, no risk, no obligation one-month trial offer. Use this link: https://kudo.ai/cmu/ SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our friend, Daniel Rosemond, visits the show to provide an update on his legal case against the City of Hallandale Beach. In February, he had a major set back and we talk about battling through this ordeal that has now stretched out more than 8 years. We also talk about his work with East to West Development and share some exciting news about his book, "Death of the Public Servant." Daniel was featured in a 3-part interview series last year: Episode 10: Death of the Public Servant, Episode 12: Revenge of the Public Servant, and Episode 16: Betrayal of the Public Servant   SHOW NOTES: Daniel Rosemond is the author of "Death of the Public Servant" and CEO of the East to West Development Corporation. You are invited to reach out and contact him for professional advice and consultation on affordable housing initiatives and to support him by purchasing his book. Daniel's LinkedIn profile   EPISODE SPONSOR: This episode is sponsored by KUDO. Make your council meetings accessible with translated audio and live captions into 45+ languages. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Only listeners of the City Manager Unfiltered podcast can sign up for a FREE, no risk, no obligation one-month trial offer. Use this link: https://kudo.ai/cmu/ SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nick Loper is a legend in the side hustle and internet marketing space. He is the host of the Side Hustle Show podcast and runs the Side Hustle Nation website. I get excited when talking about internet marketing, start-ups, passive income, and entrepreneurship. And I hope many of you do, too, as I would like to explore this topic in more earnest in the future. Being a city or county manager is very risky. Governing bodies are churning and burning through public sector executives who are increasingly seen as disposable and interchangeable commodities. In the past, I have talked about minimizing downside risk exposure during contract negotiations and explored the idea of side hustles and alternative income streams to augment incomes during transitions so that you are not pressured into taking an unattractive opportunity just for the sake of putting food on the table. Please let me know if you enjoy or do not enjoy this podcast so that I can modify future programming. SHOW NOTES: You can find Nick Loper here: Side Hustle Show podcast Side Hustle Nation website: https://www.sidehustlenation.com/ideas/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickloper/ EPISODE SPONSOR: This episode is sponsored by KUDO. Make your council meetings accessible with translated audio and live captions into 45+ languages. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Only listeners of the City Manager Unfiltered podcast can sign up for a FREE, no risk, no obligation one-month trial offer. Use this link: https://kudo.ai/cmu/ SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Clarendon City Administrator Brian Barboza literally started at the bottom and worked his way to "the chair." When he was a young man, recently graduated from high school, Hereford City Manager Rick Hanna took an interest and gave him an application to become an employee in the streets department. Barboza worked for the city while going to college with plans to becoming a police officer. A fateful conversation with Hanna who pitched Barboza on the idea of becoming a city manager would forever change his life. In this episode, we talk about how Brian worked his way up from the bottom and how important it is to have mentors and people who believe in you.  SHOW NOTES: You can find Brian Barboza on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-barboza-cpm-40a011172/ EPISODE SPONSOR: This episode is sponsored by KUDO. Make your council meetings accessible with translated audio and live captions into 45+ languages. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Only listeners of the City Manager Unfiltered podcast can sign up for a FREE, no risk, no obligation one-month trial offer. Use this link: https://kudo.ai/solutions/city-manager-unfiltered-live-speech-translation/ SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

City Manager Brooks Williams brings a passionate but demanding philosophical approach to local government. He joins the program to talk about the importance of innovation and efficiency, accountability, employee development, and building strong relationships with your elected officials as he leads the City of Ferris, Texas. Brooks recently published "Rising to Serve," which I can only describe as his personal love letter to public service and city management. The foreward was penned by the incomparable Tommy Gonzalez. In his book, available on Amazon, Brooks sets out on a mission to reimagine public administration in this era of unprecedented change. SHOW NOTES: Brooks Williams' LinkedIn Page Link to Brooks' book "Rising to Serve" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eu66Tw EPISODE SPONSOR: This episode is sponsored by KUDO. Make your council meetings accessible with translated audio and live captions into 45+ languages. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Only listeners of the City Manager Unfiltered podcast can sign up for a FREE, no risk, no obligation one-month trial offer. Use this link: https://kudo.ai/solutions/city-manager-unfiltered-live-speech-translation/ SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

As I predicted, the ICMA finally capitulated and settled the anti-defamation lawsuit brought forth by Michigan city manager James Freed. As part of the agreement where financial details were not releaed, the ICMA agreed to retract the censure by removing it from their website.  The settlement was announced via a joint statement on ICMA letterhead. However, I have received overwhelmingly negative responses from the city managers in my network regarding the language of that statement.  In this episode, I dissect the statement and compare it to the original press release issued by the ICMA when it announced the public censure of James Freed.  And now that this matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties -- we ponder the logical question that remains:  Now what? SHOW NOTES: James Freed posted the release on his personal LinkedIn page. You can read it here: ICMA Joint Statement Freed Email Statement and Court Filing Video of James Freed addressing ICMA issue ICMA Public Statements & Court Filing LinkedIn Post In Defense of the ICMA Code of Ethics by Jason Grant, Director of Advocacy Court Filing Additional Information about James Freed vs ICMA Main Reference Page SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

Things are heating up in the battle between Port Huron City Manager James Freed and the ICMA over the last two weeks. The two-year saga began in June 2022 when the ICMA publicly censured Freed and stripped him of his credential. Freed countered with a lawsuit alleging the ICMA engaged in a conspiracy to defame him. On September 5, 2024, Freed sent out an email along with a 21-page court filing. See link in the show notes. On Friday the 6th, the ICMA issued its first public statement on the lawsuit mentioning James Freed by name and referencing yours truly indirectly. On Monday the 9th, Freed and the ICMA once again made public statements. Freed addressed his employees at an annual luncheon and spoke about the lawsuit and upcoming trial. His remarks were about 20 minutes long and have been included in this podcast. Additionally, the ICMA's director of advocacy pubished an article on its website. Jason Grant argued that public censures were not punitive and defended the organization. However, the final paragraph signaled to me thta the organization is preparing to settle with Freed while trying to save face.  SHOW NOTES: James Freed Court Filing and Public Statements: Freed Email Statement and Court Filing Video of James Freed addressing ICMA issue ICMA Public Statements & Court Filing LinkedIn Post In Defense of the ICMA Code of Ethics by Jason Grant, Director of Advocacy Court Filing Additional Information about James Freed vs ICMA Main Reference Page SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

Audree Guzman refused to become a statistic and has courageously battled through childhood sexual molestation and domestic abuse as a young woman. We discuss her battles along with other struggles encompassing eating disordes and mental health issues. This is very powerful episode but listener discretion is strongly advised. SHOW NOTES: Here is the LinkedIn page for Audree Guzman For more information about James Freed's anti-defamation lawsuit against the ICMA, I have created a reference page that will serve as a Wikipedia page of sorts. It can be found here: https://citymanagernews.com/james-freed-vs-icma/ SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

Audree Guzman was hired into her first city administrator gig at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Less than a year later, she would be forced to deal with another historic event that rocked her community.  In this episode, Audree and I discuss the trials and tribulations she faced down in her first city administrator gig in small town Kansas. We also discuss the impact a mentor had on her and what impact, if any, her being a Latina in a predominantly white state has had on her career. Originally planned to be a single episode interview, Audree and I ended up spending considerable time discussing the impacts of child and domestic abuse on our lives. This segment of the conversation will be released next week in part two of the series. SHOW NOTES: Here is the LinkedIn page for Audree Guzman SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

In Part 2 of my interview with Sam Toles of CiviSocial, we discuss keyboard warriors and social media terrorists. I offer up my distinction between the two and urge elected officials to exercise more discernment when evaluating online attacks. We discuss the outsized impact of the minority, whether they are truly engaged and participating in the process, and how spineless elected officials can send demoralizing signals and messages to their staff. Sam also shares a secret tip he uses to differentiate himself from the competition when competing for jobs. If you are a public sector executive or aspire to become one, you should definitely listen for this little nugget in the first half of the episode.  SHOW NOTES: If you are interested in hiring Sam Toles & CiviSocial for social media consulting, you can save 10% between now and December 31st by simply telling him that you are a City Manager Unfiltered listener. CiviSocial website and LinkedIn page Sam Toles' LinkedIn page SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sam Toles is a social media expert having worked for large entertainment companies like Bleacher Report, MGM, and Warner Music, as well as Vimeo. He was also served as an elected councilmember for the California community of Cathedral City. He is passionate about social media and the public sector, but believes that most communities across the country are doing social media wrong. That is why he launched his new firm, CiviSocial. In this two part series we are going to discuss why communities are failing, how they can silence the haters, create passionate boosters, and what platforms are trending up and down when it comes to reach and influence. He also thinks communities that hire consultants to run their social media platforms are wasting their money. In Part 2, we are going to dive into a discussion about how elected officials get spun up by negative comments on social media and what can be done to minimize their overreaction to the trolls. We will also announce a special promotional offer for listeners of the podcast in Part 2. SHOW NOTES: CiviSocial website and LinkedIn page Sam Toles' LinkedIn page SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Patton Township Manager Amy Farkas is passionate about recruiting more women and minorities into the profession of city and county management. In this episode, we talk about the importance of "telling a better story" to attract these candidates. We also discuss her unique approach to dealing with the stresses of the job through her hobby and what benefits she has been able to transfer over into her professional life as a result.   SHOW NOTES: Amy Farkas' LinkedIn page SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

In the third and final installment of my interview series with Castle Pines City Manager Michael Penny, he shares his views on the recruitment and performance review processes and puts forth the idea that the American Association of Municipal Executives can assist city and county managers by influencing how these events are structured. Penny argues that candidates currently have little say in the recruitment process and do not have a seat at the table under the current paradigm. And he suggests that performance reviews are too often left open to a myriad of variables that disadvantage the executive. If you enjoyed this series and have some questions for Penny regarding the credentialing process, please reach out and contact me as we have discussed the possibility of conducting a live webinar Q & A. However, we need participants to ask questions!   SHOW NOTES: Michael Penny's LinkedIn profile Information about the ICMA Credentialing Advisory Board (CAB). If you have questions about the credential, you can contact the CAB via email or phone at: [email protected] (202) 962-3504 If you want to join the American Association of Municipal Executives and becoming a founding member, register today at: https://community.aame.org/. Deadline to become a founding member has been extended to July 25th. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

Why did the ICMA create the credentialed manager program and does it measure competency? We discuss these issues and more in part 2 of my interview series with Castle Pines, Colorado city manager Michael Penny. Penny, who is a founding member of the American Association of Municipal Executives, has also been a member of the ICMA since 1995.  He has been actively involved with the ICMA credentialing process since 2013 and currently serves as the chairman of the ICMA Credentialing Advisory Board. He believes that the credential does not hold as much value within the profession as it should. Additionally, we explore whether Penny believes the credential is being weaponized against city managers, if the amount of experience required is excessive, and if it fairly values the military and private sector experiences of managers seeking to earn the designation. SHOW NOTES: Michael Penny's LinkedIn profile Information about the ICMA Credentialing Advisory Board (CAB). If you have questions about the credential, you can contact the CAB via email or phone at: [email protected] (202) 962-3504 If you want to join the American Association of Municipal Executives and becoming a founding member, register today at: https://community.aame.org/. Deadline to become a founding member has been extended to July 25th. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

Castle Pines city manager Michael Penny isn't your ordinary ICMA member. He currently serves as the chairman of the ICMA's Credentialing Advisory Board (CAB) and has been a member of the organization since 1995. So, why did he join the American Association of Municipal Executives as a founding member and how does he see both organizations co-existing? Penny has also been on both sides of the ICMA executive board election process. He has run for a seat and been denied the nomination and he has been on the panel that interviewed candidates. He pushes back on my claims that the process is rigged by insiders and offers up his unique perspective. We also talk about the James Freed defamation lawsuit and the role the membership must play in holding the organization accountable. The Colorado manager isn't afraid to disagree with my takes and I think you are going to appreciate the different perspectives and arguments both of us bring to the table throughout this series. We discuss these issues and many more in the first installment of this three-part series you are not going to want to miss.  In future installments we are going to dissect the ICMA credential and its purpose, what it truly measures or signifies, and whether it has been weaponized against city managers who do not possess it. SHOW NOTES: Michael Penny's LinkedIn profile Information about the ICMA Credentialing Advisory Board (CAB). If you want to join the American Association of Municipal Executives and becoming a founding member, register today at: https://community.aame.org/. Deadline to become a founding member has been extended to July 25th. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

For a variety of reasons listed in this podcast, the sign up deadline to become a founding member of the American Association of Municipal Executives has been extended. You have until midnight central on Thursday, July 25th to take action and join this historic, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This is the last call -- so sign up here today. We have the following membership plans: Executive Suite CEO/CAOs Executive Suite ACM/DCMs Aspiring Executives Retired City Managers (free) Managers-in-Transition (free) Go here to sign up: Community.AAME.org SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A confidential source sent me an audio recording of ICMA West Coast Regional Director Pat Martel discussing the American Association of Municipal Executives. This discussion took place two weeks ago at the Oregon City/Count Management Association conference.. In this audio clip, Martel states that the ICMA is very much aware of the AAME, that it supports the AAME mission, and that it is perfectly acceptable for ICMA members to join AAME and other organizations. In this episode, I talk about how many ICMA members who are supportive of my efforts have expressed an unwillingness to join the AAME. They state they fear retaliation. And I urge the ICMA executive board to make a public statement attesting to the fact that members will not be targeted if they do join the AAME. SHOW NOTES: If you want to join the American Association of Municipal Executives and becoming a founding member, register today at: https://community.aame.org/. Deadline to become a founding member is July 15. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Last week the big news story was the announcement by the ICMA that CEO Marc Ott was retiring to spend more time with family. We also learned that Port Huron City Manager James Freed was given a trial date for his defamation lawsuit against the ICMA. Coincidence? These two stories are inextricably linked and are the topic of this week's podcast episode. SHOW NOTES: In this podcast I mentioned that Caribou, Maine City Manager Penny Thompson is a founding member of the American Association of Municipal Executives and that she is looking for an assistant city manager. You can find the job description here: https://www.cariboumaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ACM-for-Planning-and-Economic-Development.pdf If you want to join the American Association of Municipal Executives and becoming a founding member, register today at: https://community.aame.org/. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Marilyn Rivers had a stellar career and an impeccable reputation having served for nearly 20 years as the Director of Risk and Safety for the New York city of Saratoga Springs. About 18-months away from this 20-year mark where she would be eligible for her pension, a newly elected commissioner set his sights on her to settle an "old score" from fifteen years ago. Rivers wanted to do this podcast because she never had a chance to defend herself, her record, or address the toxic behavior of this commissioner during the entire ordeal. She told me that she needed to do the podcast because she wanted her "voice" and her good name back. This is slated to be Part 1 of a multi-part series. Stay tuned for the next episode when Marilyn will reveal tips, tricks, and tactics to reduce your insurance costs and make you look like a star for your governing body or your city manager. SHOW NOTES: Here is a link to Marilyn Rivers' consulting firm: Rivers Risk Consulting, LLC. The company's LinkedIn page can be found here and this is a link to her personal LinkedIn Page If you want to join the American Association of Municipal Executives and becoming a founding member, register today at: https://community.aame.org/. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

ICMA CEO Marc Ott has presided over an organization that is dysfunctional, lacks accountability, and produces mediocre work product.  His permissive and absentee approach to managing employees allowed ethics staffers to prosecute a personal and political vendetta against Port Huron City Manager James Freed -- a stain that will be forever left upon his legacy. Combined with an international development emphasis that has lacked focus and failed to deliver results, it has been Ott's shepherding of the organization towards the promotion of a leftist political ideology that has alienated many members who simply desire to be in a non-partisan, apolitical organization that will help them become better public sector executives. For these reasons and more, it is time for the ICMA executive board to terminate Ott and begin the process of repairing the damage done during his tenure. SHOW NOTES: Here is the court ordered motion to compel issued against members of the ICMA executive board. Here is the most recent ruling by the judge highlighting the stall tactics used by the ICMA in its case against Freed. If you want to join the American Association of Municipal Executives and become a founding member, register today at: https://community.aame.org/. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen is no fan of the Oregon City/County Management Association (OCCMA). A few years ago, he was the subject of an anonymous ethics complaint without any clear explanation of his alleged offense. About a year later, Jorgensen learned that another city manager had accused him of leaking his listserv comments.  The evidence was a conversation between this city manager and one of his elected officials the city manager had surreptitiously recorded. Jorgensen maintains that he did not leak the listserv comments and even if he did, he vehemently rejects the notion that those comments are not public records since the city manager used his official city email address. Moreover, Jorgensen was disgusted by the fact that the OCCMA ethics committee knew that the conversation was recorded without the consent of the elected official and did nothing about it. Jorgensen has some strong opinions about the OCCMA, the value of his membership not only to himself but the taxpayers, and how other city managers conducted themselves during the pandemic. He is a fascinating person with a very unique background having worked in politics as an official staff to state legislators in the Oregon capital, to being a journalist, an author, and a guitarist in a rock band.  Don't miss this episode where the guest is as unfiltered as the host!   SHOW NOTES: W. Scott Jorgensen's LinkedIn page You can catch his band, Robots Building Robots, on Spotify where you can listen to their album "Dysphoria." Jorgensen has four books he has written listed on Amazon. You can view them here. In the episode, I discussed Ferris, TX city manager Brooks Williams' book "Rising to Serve." If you want to join the American Association of Municipal Executives and becoming a founding member, register today at: https://community.aame.org/. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.      

We continue our conversation with Polson, Montana city manager Ed Meece in Part 2 of our interview series.  In this episode, Ed talks about: ✅ a new state association for Montana city managers that is not affiliated with the ICMA, ✅ a conversation he had with ICMA CEO Marc Ott and Ray Baray, his chief of staff, and ✅ why he is so excited about the new American Association of Municipal Executives   SHOW NOTES: Ed Meece's LinkedIn page SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

In 2015, city manager Ed Meece did something he never thought he would do. He canceled his International City/County Management Association membership twenty-five years after joining the organization. What happened? Meece explains his reasoning in Part 1 of this two-part series. SHOW NOTES: Ed Meece's LinkedIn page SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

Baker Tilly has been bad -- again.  Recently, yours truly dropped a bombshell about Baker Tilly when he appeared as a guest on the Making Sense with Michael J. talk show in Amarillo, Texas. We discussed the Amarillo city manager recruitment and the consulting contract Baker Tilly landed to help review their charter. Host Michael Stevens graciously allowed me to replay the interview on the podcast. Since the interview aired on May 20th, sources have been feeding me additional information about Baker Tilly and its recruitments. Stay tuned for more coverage in the near future -- especially after I get my public information requests. If you have any information worth sharing -- please get in touch with me so I can expose them. SHOW NOTES: Michael J. Stevens is the host of the "Making Sense with Michael J" show on KGNC AM 710 and 97.5 FM radio in Amarillo. You can listen to their live stream here.  You can find Michael on LinkedIn here. The American Association of Municipal Executives is located at AAME.org. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

Public sector executives need to steal some pages out of the private sector executive playbook when it comes to compensation, benefits, and negotiating contracts. Attorney Daniel Reilly has extensive experience in negotiating private and public sector executive contracts. Licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, we discuss industry norms, tactics, and practices that should be co-opted by city and county managers to secure stronger contracts that will protect them and their families. This is a "must listen" interview with many gems of wisdom and golden nuggets for executives and aspiring executives to ponder and consider. Moreover, public sector recruiters and local elected officials should also pay attention as I once again highlight the on-going paradigm shift in public administration. No other local government podcast provides this type of valuable and thought provoking content. If you enjoyed it -- please take a moment to hit the "follow/subscribe" button and also leave a rating and review on Apple and Spotify. SHOW NOTES: Daniel Reilly is a business attorney who specializes in executive compensation. Here is a link to his law firm, Reilly Legal, and his LinkedIn page. The American Association of Municipal Executives is located at AAME.org. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

Unhappy with the current direction of the International City/County Management Association, El Cajon City Manager Graham Mitchell decided to get involved and run for a seat on the executive board. In previous years when he only saw one name on the ballot for each seat -- he assumed it was due to apathy. Little did he know that the ICMA establishment created a process whereby they hand-selected the nominee who was all but guaranteed to win because voters would not have another name on the ballot to vote for. In this episode, we discuss his experience running for the board and his efforts to change the way ICMA conducts elections in the future. SHOW NOTES: Graham Mitchell's LinkedIn page The Midwest Rotation Agreement LinkedIn post discussing the ICMA's violation of the Midwest Rotation Agreement can be found here and a screenshot of it can be found here. The American Association of Municipal Executives is located at AAME.org. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A lot of people self-proclaim themselves to be "change agents" or transformational leaders who have changed their department or organization's culture. But a lot of this is fluffy, self-promotion meant to stroke the ego. How many public sector executives have actual, quantifiable data to support these claims? Durango, Colorado city manager Jose Madrigal is a truly transformative leader and he has the "receipts" to prove it. We discuss his professional journey and his choice to become a first-time city manager in a new state. We learn how he was influenced by his dear mentor and how that manifested itself in Durango. We also examine the benefits an improved culture and the importance good relationships with the local media can have on recruitment. SHOW NOTES: Jose Madrigal's LinkedIn page The American Association of Municipal Executives is located at AAME.org. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

Over the last 18 months I have highlighted the plight of city managers and other public sector executives. I have talked about the pervasive sense of loneliness and isolation that is oftentimes overwhelming. I have lamented the lack of advocacy for managers who watch helplessly as the reputation and career they have spent decades building is sullied and damaged. When I have criticized the ICMA for sitting on its hands and not coming to the defense of managers, I am chastised by loyalists who steadfastly maintain that it is not the organization's job to defend managers. Well -- public sector executives deserve to have an organization that will advocate on their behalf, take proactive steps to protect their reputations and careers, and fight for better compensation and benefits in a profession that has become extremely volatile, risky, and hyperscrutinized.  To that end, Micah Gaudet and I are launching the American Association of Municipal Executives.  We are going to build a community that supports, develops, and advocates on behalf of city managers and public sector executives. We invite you to join us as we embark on this journey to build an organization that will transform public administration in America. You have a truly unique "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity to get in on the ground floor of something that will be historically significant for our profession. Go to AAME.org and sign up today to become a Founding Member! SHOW NOTES: The American Association of Municipal Executives is located at AAME.org. In this episode, Micah Gaudet referred to Daniel Rosemond's book "Death of the Public Servant." Micah Gaudet's LinkedIn page Daniel Rosemond's LinkedIn page SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Texas attorney CJ Grisham and his client, Jason Followell, were removed from an Aransas Pass city council meeting under the threat of arrest after they both used profane language and violated the rules of decorum during a public comment period. Since that January incident, Grisham has filed a lawsuit (see link below in the show notes) on behalf of Followell and the Aransas Pass police chief has charged both Grisham and Followell with disrupting the meeting. In this episode, Grisham and I discuss the First Amendment, the validity of rules of decorum, and whether it is legal for public speakers to be ejected from council meetings for using profane language.  Listener discretion is advised as the language in this podcast is not suitable for children or the workplace. This episode is sponsored by CityManagerNews.com SHOW NOTES: CJ Grisham is an attorney in the state of Texas handling First and Second Amendment cases. You can find him on the following platforms: LinkedIn YouTube: Texas 2A Attorney Here is a link to the lawsuit filed by CJ Grisham on behalf of his client, Jason Followell. SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Taylour Tedder's groundbreaking contract in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware was the talk of the city management community last week. His contract features a $750,000 home loan that is completely forgivable after 7 years of service. Bradley Ford, the city manager for Waco, Texas, sat down with me to review and critique this amazing contract. Ford, the foremost expert when it comes to public sector executive compensation, recently formed his own niche consulting business called City Compensation.  We take a deep dive into a contract that will have reverberations throughout the profession in this fascinating and informative episode.  This episode is sponsored by CityManagerNews.com SHOW NOTES: Bradley Ford (LinkedIn Profile) City Compensation website and LinkedIn page Taylour Tedder's Contract SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Change my mind: Troy Body has the toughest city manager job in the country! The Hopkinsville, Kentucky manager also has one of the most unique backgrounds in the profession. Oh! By the way -- he is the only black manager in the state. You are going to enjoy this interview as we learn more about why he transitioned into local government and his thoughts on accountability and delivering results at the local level. SHOW NOTES: Troy Body (LinkedIn Profile) CityManagerNews.com SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Going to battle against your public safety deparment heads can be extremely perilous for a city manager, especially when you have a politically connected and entrenched police chief. City Manager Theo Melancon was tasked with doing an operational assessment of the police departmenty by his council. In Part 2 of my interview series, Theo outlines the process and approach he took to carryout the wishes of his governing body while also being mindful of the political and professional ramifications if he botched it and opened the door for the police chief to outflank him. You can catch Part 1 of the interview here: Episode 45: Surviving a Domestic Violence Arrest  SHOW NOTES: During the interview, Theo mentioned the interview with former Topeka, Kansas city manager, Stephen Wade. You can listen to that episode here: Episode 11: Suicidal City Manager Addresses Mental Health Struggle Theo Melancon (LinkedIn Profile) SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.    

City manager Theo Melancon was arrested on a domestic violence charge in January 2022. Unfortunately for him, his predecessor also made controversial headlines surrounding a domestic incident. In this powerful episode, Melancon gives us a play-by-play recounting of the events that upended his life and nearly ended his career. We talk about his communication with his elected officials, handling the social media firestorm, and examine how his peers responded and interacted with him once the story broke. This interview has been broken into two parts. The planned original discussion about Melancon's battle with his powerful police chief will be presented in the second installment. SHOW NOTES: Theo Melancon (LinkedIn Profile) SUBMIT JOB POSTING: Do you have an executive or senior level vacancy in your organization? Use this form/link to submit your job listing in my weekly newsletter for just $100: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

This is the first installment in my upcoming series of interviews with public sector executive recruiters and recruitment firms. In this interview with Michael Boese of Clear Carer Professionals, we discuss his firm's "candidate focus" approach that emphasizes consistent and timely communication with prospective candidates. Near the end of the interview, Boese answers a question posed by a city manager about the importance of ICMA-CM designations and how much they impact the governing body's decision when evaluating candidates. SHOW NOTES: Here are the links to: Michael Boese (LinkedIn Profile) Clear Career Professionals (website) Clear Career Professionals (LinkedIn Page) SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to advertise your senior or executive level vacancy in the newsletter for just $100, please use this form to place your ad: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9 If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

Public Works Administrator Kevin Richardson messaged me about a year ago seeking career advice. This inquiry was the genesis of a new friendship and eventual "title change" designed to better reflect the role and responsibilities assigned to him at the City of Rock Hill in South Carolina. In this episode, we illustrate the benefits of self-advocacy and discuss the importance of mentorship, especially in the context of promoting minorities up the ranks of senior leadership in the public sector.  We also touch on the taboo topic of race and our different perspectives. SHOW NOTES: In this episode, Kevin mentioned the book written by Saginaw (TX) City Manager Gabe Reaume. It is called "Strangers & Angels". Here is the link to Kevin's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-richardson-leadership/ SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Subscribe to my FREE weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements (RTRs) at this link: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to advertise your senior or executive level vacancy in the newsletter for just $100, please use this form to place your ad: https://forms.gle/ceMzWqeLwiRFRAGj9   If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.      

The typical cover letter sucks. It literally hurts to read them they are so bad. But, don't fall for the "fried ice cream" peddled by the private sector recruiters who argue that cover letters are no longer necessary. That is not true. Every public sector executive competing for a position needs to have a cover letter and this is one of the easiest places elite candidates can differentiate themselves from their competition.  Write a great cover letter that captures the reader's attention and you are going to stand out from the crowd.  However, you can't write a kick-ass cover letter if you are committing one of these 8 deadly sins. SHOW NOTES: Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) is accepting nominations for their Top 100 Local Government Influencers list. I would encourage you to nominate Micah Gaudet and Benjamin Effinger using this Google form or at this URL: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSZXZtVm3s6a3Tv-uixuWVxrhoq29-weAj6AWGLp0CieKv7Q/viewform   Micah and Ben have been guests of the podcast and you can catch their interviews here: Ep. 24: Unlocking Veteran Benefits for Employers & Family Members with Benjamin Effinger Ep. 14: The Only ChatGPT Course Designed for Public Sector Professionals with Micah Ep. 07: ChatGPT: Skeptic to Believer in 30 Minutes with John Weidl & Micah Gaudet Ep. 04: Micah Gaudet: Level Up & Use ChatGPT in the Public Sector Today   If you want to post a senior or executive level job in my weekly newsletter for $100, please email me at: citymanagerunfiltered | at | gmail | dot | com. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: I recently re-launched my weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements, or RTRs. I am now publishing this content in my free weekly LinkedIn newsletter. Don't forget to subscribe at this link if you want to get a heads up on future recruitments that are going to be coming down the pike: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

On multiple occasions, Charlotte Colley has been the "first female" and trailblazed her away across a 20 year career in the public sector. Being the first female manager can be incredibly challenging and she has experienced some tough days. In this episode we talk about her public sector executive journey and how her faith in Jesus Christ has given her the strength to endure and persevere. And we talk about how her career has detoured into consulting and whether or not she sees herself re-entering the profession and becoming a city or county manager once again. SHOW NOTES: In this episode, Charlotte talked about the following: her consulting work with Pete Bales over at Local Gov Consultants her work with C-Suite for Christ and leadership of the Dayton Chapter the "Covering the World in Christ" conference March 6-7 featuring Tim Tebow Robertson Brain Health SUPPORT THE PODCAST: I recently re-launched my weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements, or RTRs. I am now publishing this content in my free weekly LinkedIn newsletter. Don't forget to subscribe at this link if you want to get a heads up on future recruitments that are going to be coming down the pike: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

Consultant and resident expert Tim Nowak argues that there is an impending collapse of fire/EMS services in America and that there must be a paradigm shift in our thinking with respect to how these vital services are funded. In this episode, we talk about the causes of the crisis, what it is going to take to fix it, and engage in other general subject matter related topics that have gnawed at me over the years. For example, do we really need 24-hour shifts and wouldn't taxpayers save money if we moved to 12-hour shifts and stopped paying firefighters while they are sleeping? This is a must listen episode and I encourage you to share it with each member of your governing body. SHOW NOTES: Tim Nowak works as a consultant for the Public Consulting Group and you can locate him on LinkedIn where he has an impressive platform and engaged audience. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: I recently re-launched my weekly report of city and county manager resignations, terminations, and retirements, or RTRs. I am now publishing this content in my free weekly LinkedIn newsletter. Don't forget to subscribe at this link if you want to get a heads up on future recruitments that are going to be coming down the pike: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/city-manager-rtrs-job-board-7164683251112992768/ If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

SHOUT OUT SATURDAY (SOS): San Angelo resident John Bariou wants to recall the entire city council because they have violated the charter and undermined the council-manager form of government. The central Texas community of 100,000 people will get an opportunity to "vote the bums out" in just a few short months if Bariou gets his way. He believes the mayor has violated the charter, run roughshod over the city manager, and injected herself into areas of responsibility that rest with the city manager. Because of a quirk in the city charter, Bariou only needs to gather a shockingly low number of signatures for many of the councilmembers. In fact, as little as 47 signatures for one elected official who represents more than 15,000 residents. Bariou makes his pitch for the recall on this special episode of the podcast where I use my platform to spotlight interesting local government stories across the country and personal passion projects of public sector employees. SHOW NOTES: You can find John Bariou and his recall effort on Facebook at the San Angelo Citizens for a Law Abiding City Council page.   If you would like to be featured on a future "Shout Out Saturday" episode, please drop me an email at: citymanagerunfiltered |at| gmail |dot| com. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

It is easy to send a custom resume that is specifically tailored to the job you are applying for if you follow my simple hack. Don't sell yourself short and send the same resume to every job. Differentiate yourself and demonstrate how you are the solution to their problem by using my system.  When you build a results oriented, custom resume that illustrates how you are the perfect fit for the job, you are going to get more offers and be able to negotiate a higher salary. SHOW NOTES: Fill out this form to nominate Micah Gaudet to be an ELGL Top 100 Local Government Influencer. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jordan Cook didn't even get an interview the first time he tried to land a city administrator gig in Nevada, Iowa. But, on the second go around he not only got an interview -- he got the job. In this episode we discuss perseverance, mental toughness, and talk about the state of public sector executive recruiting. We also extoll the virtues of the Midwest and talk about how aspiring city managers can turbocharge their career trajectory by exploring small town options. Jordan Cook's LinkedIn Page SUPPORT THE PODCAST: If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page City Manager Unfiltered YouTube Page - Subscribe Today! Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Aransas Pass police department recently removed two public speakers from council chambers after they hurled numerous vulgarities and profane language at members of the governing body and city staff.  Did they violate the First Amendment rights of these individuals and expose the taxpayers to a lawsuit? One of the men booted from the meeting is a civil rights attorney who claims the city did violate his rights and the rights of his clients. I have contacted this attorney and plan to have him on a future episode of the podcast to discuss this issue in more detail.  If you would like to ask a specific question of this attorney, please use my SpeakPipe app to record your message and I will play it on the air. Go to this link to record your question. What would you have done if these two individuals spoke like this during your public meeting? SHOW NOTES: Here is a link to the new YouTube channel for the City Manager Unfiltered podcast. Please subscribe to the channel today. You can also view the YouTube videos associated with this podcast episode here: Part 1 Part 2 SUPPORT THE PODCAST: If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

City manager Stanley Hawthorne was wrongfully fired with cause by just two members of his governing body. It was amateur night in Georgia on January 16, 2024 when Councilman Joe Carn rushed through this vote over the objections of Mayor Bianca Motley Broom.  In this episode, I breakdown the tape and show how these unprofessional councilmembers voted to silence Hawthorne and prevent him from speaking during his termination. I also reveal how childish they were when none of them accepted the gavel from Mayor Broom so that she could make a public statement from the dais.  Tune into the end to find out if Mr. Hawthorne is vindicated. Hint: This story has a happy ending. SHOW NOTES: In this episode I discussed Stanley Hawthorne's "Resignation & Release Agreement." You can view the YouTube video I made about Hawthorne's termination here. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A disgruntled ICMA spouse is submitting public information requests across the country and ICMA executive board members are stonewalling and blocking these requests. Why? In this episode we talk about the increasing levels of scrutiny the ICMA is facing as a result of my podcast and LinkedIn posting. And we also highight various executive board members across the country who are refusing the respond to these FOIA requests or requiring multi-thousand dollar payments in order to gather the information. SHOW NOTES: In this episode I talked about my new donation/supporter link. If you are interested in supporting the podcast with a one time or monthly recurring donation, please visit this link. I also introduced my new YouTube channel. Please subscribe today. I spoke about Micah Gaudet's ChatGPT course and how it is without question the best value for those wanting to level up. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A disgruntled spouse of an ICMA member emailed me in December to express their frustration with staff salaries and the luxurious international travel junkets enjoyed by organizational executives and the executive board members.  A city manager vents to me about the crappy salary listed in a job recruitment brochure. And I take a look back at my LinkedIn and podcast stats for 2023 and compare my performance against that of the ICMA and Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL). SHOW NOTES: In this episode I introduced a new donation/supporter link. If you are interested in supporting the podcast with a one time or monthly recurring donation, please visit this link. Link to the City Manager Unfiltered podcast press release inviting Pacific Grove (CA) Councilman Luke Coletti to come on the podcast. Daniel Rosemond is the author of "Death of the Public Servant". Link to top 10 podcast episodes in 2023. Link to top LinkedIn posts in 2023.   SUPPORT THE PODCAST: If you would like to support the podcast by making a donation, please use the "Buy Me A Coffee" link. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

Former Fort Meade City Manager Jan Bagnall declined to be interviewed for the second part of our interview series after receiving multiple threats since our first interview aired on December 13th, or Episode 29. On New Year's Day, I received an email from a stranger named Greg King. I would later learn that he was the campaign manager for Jaret Williams, who one his Fort Meade commission race in November.  I was unsure how to proceed and a little concerned based on some of the things Bagnall had shared. However, I was uncomfortable putting just one-side of the story out there without giving the "other side" equal time to make their case. So, I decided to respond to King's inquiry and we discussed the situation in Fort Meade on the phone. I recorded the call and feature it in this episode of the podcast. We also discussed the impending arrival of Pat Oman, the incoming city manager who was recently hired by the governing body without he input and consideration of Mr. Williams.   SHOW NOTES: In the introduction, I mentioned Mark Moses book: The Municipal Financial Crisis. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.