One-minute performance review
By Patrick Kelley
Originally published 02:34 p.m., February 18, 2008
Updated 02:34 p.m., February 18, 2008
City manager Matt Zimmerman has been on the job almost a year now. At some point, the city commission is sure to gather to discuss how he is doing.
The commissioners are likely to decide that Zimmerman is doing just fine, thank you.
The success of Saturday’s job and community fair for the fired workers from the Tyson plant was due, in part, to quick and efficient planning by the city. As manager, Zimmerman is ultimately responsible for such tasks.
It is not the first time he has impressed people. His work during last year’s budgeting process was professional and his calm, matter-of-fact demeanor made it easier for the commissioners to make the difficult decisions required.
Zimmerman had no way of knowing when he accepted the job just how challenging the coming year was going to be. The city’s fortunes have swung wildly between success — Emporia Energy, Hills and Renewable Energy Group — to painful failure — the Tyson cutbacks and the Menu Foods recalls. All the time, lurking in the background, has been the gnawing uncertainty caused by the Interstate Bakeries bankruptcy.
Through it all, Zimmerman has handled himself — and the city’s affairs — well.
He seems to be competent, likeable and honest.
He deserves a good review.