The vote by the Bainbridge Island City Council to make Morgan Smith the interim city manager is not only the right choice, but it’s also the wise choice.

The two don’t always fit together so snuggly. Many times, a person can be right, but not wise.

This time, however, the council deserves much credit for making the proper decision.

By all accounts, Smith has served the city well as deputy city manager. She’s an even-keeled, intelligent and pragmatic person — and just what the city needs at this critical crossroads.

Some on the council have been tempted by the allure of hiring an outsider; an interim manager from afar who could sweep into town, then out, after a permanent manager is found.

Smith, by contrast, doesn’t face the daunting learning curve that would leave an outsider spinning. The widespread support for her hiring that came from employees at city hall this past week is a testament to the stability that’s so solely needed for the worker ranks — and residents.

Also worthy of special note is Councilwoman Sarah Blossom, the key swing vote that helped put Smith at the helm. Blossom showed that special rare courage of compromise that’s been so lacking at city hall in recent months. Let’s hope that spirit and courage is contagious.

To all of the council: a job well-done for the unanimous vote of support it gave to Smith after she was named interim manager.