I’m deeply disappointed to announce that this morning I received a phone call from Pat Salerno. He informed me that he was rejecting the Wichita City Manager job, almost four weeks after he eagerly accepted it.
Of course, I asked why? Pat said: “It just doesn’t feel right.” I inquired further but he would not elaborate. Our phone call ended after only a few minutes.
Until our phone call, Pat gave no indication that he had second thoughts about accepting the job. He has visited our city in recent days. He had begun the search for a home. He had engaged in our budget process. In fact, he had daily phone conversations with our Finance Staff and other key staffers as late as Friday. He had even received a draft of the Proposed Budget.
Pat was the overwhelming choice of the Citizens Selection Committee and the unanimous choice of the Council. His references were thoroughly checked. The Vice Mayor and I made a visit to Sunrise, Florida. There were follow-up visits and phone calls with people who knew him. There were even clarifying conversations with Pat himself.
His unfortunate and unprofessional decision does not reflect the high standards of our citizens, our organization or the International City Managers Association. His decision to renege on a signed employment contract is a violation of ICMA’s code of ethics. We will explore the City’s legal options to ensure we are good stewards of taxpayers’ dollars.
This is a missed opportunity for him but another opportunity for us to fill one of the best City Manager jobs in this nation.
What’s next? This City Council and this community must move forward. We will swiftly engage the services of a national search firm. We are committed to finding the best professional manager for this three-time, All-America City.
Interim City Manager Ed Flentje is under contract through Friday, July 11. We are exploring options for interim city leadership. Meanwhile, we have professional staffers who have demonstrated a strong work ethic and an eagerness to move forward with the policies set by elected officials.
Before taking a few questions, I want to thank the community for its patience and the search committee for its hard work. But their job is not done.
It is difficult to find candidates for this demanding and high profile job due to relocation concerns, family matters, desired experience and other factors.
But make no mistake. We will find that person. And he or she will demonstrate the commitment and vision to lead this community to further growth and prosperity.
Thank you.
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