Springfield is close to getting a new man for the top job in the city. At a meet-and-greet reception Sunday afternoon, Springfield city council and other city leaders got their first chance to meet with the three finalists for city manager.

The finalists are: Greg Burris, vice president at Missouri State; Kent Myers, city manager in Hot Springs, Arkansas; and Larry Stevens, city manager of Edmond, Oklahoma. KSPR asked each of them what makes them the best choice.

“I’m a long time citizen, very engaged in the community,” said Greg Burris. “I've done long range strategic planning for a lot of organizations and municipal organizations in this community, but at the same time, I'm not a city employee. So, in some way I'm an outsider as well, so I could bring some fresh perspectives."

“The people skills,” said Kent Myers. “The ability to deal with all types of people throughout the community, both people in leadership positions plus neighborhood associations and the full array of citizens you have here. A third a skill level you need to seek for city manager are leadership skills."

“I think I can bring to the table significant amount of local government experience,” said Larry Stevens. “Also, in dealing with many same types of issues that Springfield has now, we've dealt with in Edmond and actually other communities as well. I'd certainly also hope I could bring exceptional people skills."

You have two chances to meet the three city manager candidates Monday. "Coffee with the Candidates" is from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Monday morning at the Park Central Library. Then, after work, there’s an ice cream social from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Phelps Grove Park Pavilion.