Sometimes it’s difficult to know what’s true in Norwood.
We get so wrapped up in our own bubble that it’s easy to forget that we’re not alone in this local governance thing.
Should we keep this city service or outsource it? Should we allow this ordinance change or not? How are we going to pay our bills?
When facts and emotions clash, it seems necessary to bring in an impartial observer to help separate the truth from the hysteria.
On this long-form edition of the podcast, President and CEO of Management Partners, Jerry Newfarmer, joins the show to discuss best practices in local government.
Who is Jerry Newfarmer?
After spending years as the city manager of Fresno, CA; San Jose, CA; and the City of Cincinnati, Mr. Newfarmer started Management Partners to help local governments operate better. Having worked with hundreds of municipalities across the United States, he brings valuable perspective to the discussion. Moreover, as a 30-year resident of North Avondale, he has kept an eye on Norwood across the years.
In this conversation, we discuss:
- The 50 year shift in Norwood’s economy
- Pros and Cons of operating as a statutory city
- What it would take to adopt a charter
- Metrics for evaluating efficiency and effecitveness of city services
- Why it’s so hard for politicians to make changes to city staffing
- The importance of a long-term financial plan for a city
- and much more.
Listen here:
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Selected links from the interview with Jerry Newfarmer
Check out the City of Montgomery’s strategic plan, with which Mr. Newfarmer was involved. Gosh, would I love to see something this thoughtful and comprehensive for Norwood.
Read more about the ways that state decisions have hurt local budgets over the last decade.
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Move Norwood Forward aims to shed light on the people, businesses and happenings of Norwood, Ohio that are bettering the city. If you know of a person who should be featured on an episode, nominate them here.
People get the govt they deserve. I don’t mind an outsider looking in examining. Hearing more perspectives is good. However,
I’m not saying Farmer has a low quality voice for a Podcast. I’m not saying he’s too old to understand to set up a mic that works in the room he’s in. I’m not saying the current dysfunction in the City of Cincinnati was set in motion with Farmer’s effort when their city manager or West Coast cities too are today the fruition of Farmer like policies. I’m not saying most of what Farmer has to say is pointing out the obvious.
Beware of outside consultants, non-profit guides. The city of Cincinnati would appear to be a sinking ship that turns in circles. A Mayor, a council, a city manager that appear cable of little but leaning on 3CDC to essentially decide what will be done? Is non-profit 3CDC a shadow government that uses Mayor/Council/Manager as the illusion of “Democracy” ?
Perhaps Farmer could be hired as consultant to help Norwood? Perhaps he will recommend an experienced cadre of Professionals in a non-profit operation such as 3CDC, not to control but guide, help & assist Norwood?