The comments were submitted online at the City website and at the meet and greet for the three candidates at the Jordan Valley Ice Park August 3, 2008.


1. ABOUT KENT MYERS, CITY MANAGER IN HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS:

I would cross-examine this fellow carefully concerning the lingering influence of organized crime in Hot Springs. During Owney Madden’s reign, Hot Springs was internationally famous as a Mafioso hotbed! (Madden died in 1965)

Judging from remarks and handling of press conference, he has done his homework and was fairly well-informed about Springfield’s current issues and challenges. One concern is his transition from a tourist-driven economic strategy to one more industrialized.

One of the most qualified, but has not had the experience of Springfield-size; only one geared by tourism.

Too much like Don Busch – the good ole boy network.

Too small of a community, looking to use Springfield as a “stepping stone” in our conversation. Kept looking over my shoulder while visiting!!

Very good appearance and has a passion for what he does.

Enthusiastic, personable, prepared and obviously experience as a City Manager.

Enthusiastic and excited at the prospect of being City Manager.

Good personality – second choice – seems well qualified enough according to Sunday News Leader – he seems “at ease with the public” – worth a look.

2. ABOUT LARRY STEVENS, CITY MANAGER OF EDMOND, OKLAHOMA:

As many of us would like to see Springfield as a democracy, not as the theocracy that it is on the verge of becoming! We question closely anyone from “praying hands” Oklahoma.(Kansas City was a totally corrupt department!) (I make no accusations – merely reflect a growing consensus.) – Randy Howes, P.O. Box 9846, Springfield, MO 65801

The best.

Feel he could handle the day to day political pressures. And also could work with Council. Very impressed.

Pleasant, soft spoken, 2nd or 3rd choice. In terms of city size, Edmond provides more challenges than Hot Springs – I’m intrigued by his handling of their ice storm and tree damage (as a “Tree City” member). – Kenny Knauer

Very personable. Seems ready to meet the challenges.

Not as well prepared as others – Just made generic comments here and in newspaper. – Earl Holmer, Chair Art Museum

Good background in somewhat similar setting.

2nd best choice. Seemed very knowledgeable.

Likely the best choice of the bunch.

The most qualified. We need a fresh face, unbiased opinions and someone who has “run” a City.

Man of few words….conducive to good communications – appears guarded and somewhat evasive during remarks at Ice Park reception and press conference following. Was dancing around – a lack of knowledge about Springfield and concerned the media would misrepresent his comments. Is Springfield a stepping stone? - Lyn Young

3. ABOUT GREG BURRIS, VICE PRESIDENT AT MISSOURI STATE:

This fellow, in my humble opinion, is clearly the best choice. (And I don’t usually worship M.S.’s of any kind.)

This one please!

I attended the ice park reception and the news conference. It is a strong group of finalists, and they all handled themselves very well.

Seemingly the brightest of the three. His long history of community involvement, leadership roles, skills, abilities, and display of good nature during his tenure at Missouri State U. earns him my preference and complete trust.

Has good ideas but they should be used for the university, not the city.

Too much MSU – no more sprawl.

Communications skills outstanding and critically important! Younger, but the best candidate by far, fresh views!!

Really value the local experience and perspective. Has great concept of role of City Manager and need to facilitate a strategic plan.

A proven talented, hard working administrator at MSU and very familiar with community. The big question, how will that translate to city government?

Want to know about pools!

Very impressive. Good presence in a crowd. Like relationship building, which is essential for this job. At this point, certainly my choice for the job.

I nominate Greg B. Excellent candidate, extremely well qualified; works well with people and information systems – energy plus ++++.

Really like what I read and hear. Enjoyed talking with him. He has more insite to Springfield and our many problems. Funding police/fire areas. ____ Police and Fire pension before things get ____ out of hand. Given a chance to get ____ funding without doing it all by taxes. Getting city council to work together rather than put it off and put it off. Work to get something solid in place and get various departments working together and being open to solving problems rather than starting others. City ____ needs to be working for the city with an open mind. Greg would get my vote! He is here understanding many of our problems and by getting everyone working on same page should be ____ to help us. Good luck. Jay Gilbreath gilbjj@mchsi.com 75 years in Springfield.

Having read about him and talking to him, he would get my vote.

Greg is a great guy. There is a big difference between academic experience and political experience.

4. GENERAL COMMENTS:

I attended the ice park reception and the news conference. It is a strong group of finalists, and they all handled themselves very well. Based on these two events, there just wasn’t enough information to evaluate and compare the three. I saw no warning signs in any of them. Still because of my long experience with Greg Burris. I strongly support his candidacy. He would bring a zest and happy spirit, along with his superb skills to the job. Springfield needs that right now. Loyd Young

This note is for all City Council and City Manager candidates….I hope the #1 priority in selecting a manager is competence in resolving the police retirement problem. Not wriggling out of the current agreement, but fulfilling the promise made to our police. As I’m sure you are aware, Springfield is losing police officers and gaining gang members for instance. I don’t care if we have another parking garage for 50 years in Springfield. More police, less drugs and maybe families will quit relocating to Nixa, Ozark, etc. Thanks!