The DTH reported today that John Link is retiring after 18 years as the Manager of Orange County government. I have long felt that the "manager/council" form of government (which is employed by all of the towns here as well as the county) works best when the manager does not stay in place for longer than his or her bosses, the elected officials.
When the executive remains in place for along time, a lot of power accumulates in that office. Many of us have seen examples of elected officials stepping gently to appease the staff, when it should really be the other way around. I think our managers should have term limits. Ten years in office, for example, is plenty of time to accomplish strategic inititiatves, realize one's vision, and then leave on a good note.
County Manager John Link announced his retirement at a meeting of the Orange County Board of Commissioners Thursday.
Link, who has served as county manager for 18 years, will step down effective Aug. 31.
In a written letter to the commissioners, Link expressed his gratitude and attachment to the county.
I'm a little stunned. I knew that the University was working on designing and opening a model school for 3 and 4 year olds. What I didn't know is that city schools officials and UNC have proposed a plan to remove pre-K through second grades from Seawell Elementary School and site Seawell's youngest students at “First Schoolâ€Â--- a model FPG Child Development Institute program designed to “assure a successful school entry experience for all children.†The pressure is on to review and accept this surprising proposal quickly and to turn Seawell Elementary School into a grades 3-5 school.
Thursday, February 9, 9:15am to 10:15 am, on WCOM 103.5FM Carrboro/Chapel Hill (live stream: www.communityradio.coop), Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton will be interviewed live by The ESP Team on their political chat show.
Call in on 929-9601. Keep trying. It's community radio, and there is only one telephone line.
Too often people complain, and then don't 'show up' when they have the opportunity. You have the opportunity to 'show up' next Thursday - seize the opportunity!
Geoff Gilson
"The ESP Show"
WCOM 103.5FM
theespteam@yahoo.com
See the Orange Politics Elections 2006 archive for more opinions and information about these races.
With many decisions having been made in the May primary, the two interesting and competitive questions before Orange County voters are Superior Court Judge and the district representation referendum. You can find thse in the "nonpartisan" section of the ballot.
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