Warner needs a town administrator
Warner needs a town administrator. Presently, the town government can best be described as dysfunctional. The goal of this letter is to offer some principles a TA could promote to work towards a well-functioning town government.
For example, the TA should require adherence to the chain of command between the Select Board, town administrator, and staff; build a culture of professionalism that is not influenced by politics; understand and enforce town policies; be accessible to town officials, employees and the public without being reactive or showing bias; promote a three- to five-year strategic plan to guide town goals and objectives; and welcome scrutiny rather than avoiding it.
Many of the tools to guide the TA are in the Select Board Rules of Procedure. But what links town government with residents is the oath all appointed and elected statutory officers must take:
“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as, ________ according to the best of my abilities, agreeable to the rules and regulations of the constitution and the laws of the State of New Hampshire.”
The TA works with town officials to respect the responsibilities of their oath. With that understanding, the TA will play a key role in setting a collaborative tone, mediating differences and leading initiatives.
Warner needs a TA that uses the principles identified above to develop a well-functioning town government.