Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Kimball officials assemble to interview the finalists to fill the city administrator position, Jonathan Cannon of North Carolina and Alan Lanning of Steamboat Springs. See their photos on Page A6.
Two candidates for the Kimball City administrator job spent Monday morning touring the town and visiting the city services, then at 5 p.m., a special joint meeting of the City Council and Board of Public Works was held to interview both candidates.
Each interview took almost an hour with North Carolina candidate Jonathan Cannon going first, followed by Steamboat Springs candidate Alan Lanning. Resumes and applicant packets were available to the public at the Monday meeting.
Only a handful of members of the public, spaced 6 feet apart, watched this set of city administrator interviews compared to the full house of spectators at the previous administrator interviews.
Both candidates appeared knowledgable in everything from planning, permitting, budget and economic development to dealing with employees and, of course, the public.
Cannon explained that he expected excellence from city employees and noted that it is important to have a "good positive work environment." Cannon said he was also impressed that Kimball was not a "bedroom community."
In addition, he noted that Kimball has basically one downtown business area, although the interstate also has some businesses. He said Kimball was friendly and welcoming.
When responding to a question about the future, Lanning said he thought Kimball has potential and the location along I-80 is significant. He mentioned that Kimball was a clean, nice town.
According to Lanning, his leadership style includes training sessions, workshops, knowing his staff and learning their personalities. In response to a budget question, Lanning quoted his grandfather: "You can't spend more money than you have."
Each candidate was asked to describe a weakness they have themselves.
Lanning responded that he is not real good with his phone, although he does text, while Cannon said he has a tendency to respond with a yes too quickly and too often, when in fact he should have said, "We can get to that issue, but not right now."
Both candidates mentioned that Kimball has the need for some infrastructure updates, especially in the area of water and sewer lines. Ironically, both candidates realized the need to get to know our state senator and to be involved in the policies on a state level.
The City Council was to vote Tuesday, Nov. 17, on the recommendation of Mayor Keith Prunty to be the next administrator.
The Observer will report the news online this week and in print next week.
