City Council makes limited-term downtown planning permanent
The City Council on Wednesday voted to make permanent the limited-term Winslow Tomorrow project manager position.
“I think the work being done in Winslow warrants this,” said Councilman Kjell Stoknes. “This is needed three, if not five years, into the future and it gives the person job security.”
The job of helming the downtown redevelopment initiative had been set to end in 2008. Former Winslow Tomorrow manager Sandy Fischer resigned in late March for a new job in the private sector. While she would have liked to have continued to lead Winslow Tomorrow, Fischer said the uncertainty of her employment with the city forced her to seek work elsewhere.
Senior city planner Kathy Cook was named as Fischer’s replacement in mid-April.
Councilors agreed that limited-term positions are no longer preferable, especially for long-term projects.
“They don’t work for anybody,” said Councilman Nezam Tooloee.
A memo to the council drafted jointly by the city planning, executive and public works departments stresses the need for a permanent Winslow Tomorrow manager. The memo adds that the position will help the city fulfill its “long term commitment to special area planning to create the community we desire.”