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Friday, May 08, 2009

IT’S VERY CLEAR: JOHN PICK IS HERE TO STAY (maybe!)


We should take with several grains of salt Mr. Pick’s statement, made following the selection of another candidate to be the next City Manager in Urbandale, Iowa, that he is “satisfied with his position here,” which he has held since 1995. If that’s so then why the episode in which he went there as a finalist for that position?

And if that occurred entirely because he was discovered by the professional recruiter (“head-hunter”) that Urbandale used in the selection process, it seems very likely that Mr. Pick is at or near the top of that firm’s list of persons looking to relocate. And can you really blame him if he sees greener pastures elsewhere?

Nonetheless, it’s very good news that he will continue as Salisbury’s City Administrator for the time being, what with a neophyte mayor and nobody else in the Mayor’s office who is even remotely qualified to replace him. Let’s hope that he will remain long enough for Mayor Ireton to really learn the ropes, which will take at least two years.

I spoke with Mr. Pick directly yesterday and he seemed very pleased for the gentleman who did accept the position. He was well qualified and deserved it, said Pick.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tighlman gone has got to be a load off his back. He had been looking tired, complacent and bored.

I saw him on WBOC yesterday or the day before and he looked and sounded happy, and sounded very confident.

John's always been very cordial and welcoming to me, I'm sure he's a lot more relaxed now. I wish him the best at whatever he wants to do.

Anonymous said...

With Mr. Pick on board it will be easier for Ireton to replace some of the deadwood in the departments!

Can you say Chiefy?

Anonymous said...

Rumor is that he planned to bail back when it looked like Bubba might be Barrie's successor. Once he applied and made the finalist cut in Urbandale, it was not good form to withdraw.

We are fortunate that he was not selected for City Manager there, but he may not be in another year or two here.

Anonymous said...

I will say this about Mr Pick. I found him to be honest and have a passion for our city.Let's face it folks he was working for a person that had no values in truth or people. Mayor Ireton, John will be an asset to you. Good luck to the both of you.

Anonymous said...

I think John Pick is going through a transitional phase himself. After 12 years of working for a tyrant that he knows trumped things up to rid herself of people that would not play by her rules he made a choice to either buck up against her and lose his livelihood or do as instructed. It appears he sold his soul as many would do and did to keep their jobs. I am hoping Mr. Pick realizes the days of tyranny are over. I also hope he realizes that Gary, Louise and Shanie have no control over his job and he makes a conscious effort to do what is right from here on out. He doesn't have to cover up for anyone, any longer.

That weight is lifted from your shoulders Mr. Pick. Do the right thing for yourself and Salisbury.

Anonymous said...

How is his relationship with Jim???

saponariae said...

If he didn't apply, he wouldn't have been considered.

Anonymous said...

John Pick deserves plenty of credit for being publicly supportive of the all-too challenging former Mayor Barrie. As the key staff member, what choice did he have? He has performed admirably under a tyrant who had no experience running a business or government. Salisbury will be darn lucky if John Pick stays.

Anonymous said...

yea!!! (not)

Anonymous said...

5:46 Im starting to think that same thing too.