What Qualities Do You Want in the Next City Manager?

For the first time in 24 years, the City Council must choose a new city manager. James K. Spore will retire on Jan. 1. He began his tenure in Virginia Beach in 1991.

The City Council is conducting a nationwide search for a new city manager. To aid in that search, City Council members want to hear from you. What qualities make a good city manager? What do you want to see in our next leader? Please take a few moments and provide your suggestions on Virtual Town Hall by visiting www.VBgov.com/virtualtownhall Sept. 10 to 30 and post your comments.

Virginia Beach has a council-manager form of government. The 11 City Council members, including the mayor, are directly elected by citizens. The City Council appoints the city manager. Each has a different set of responsibilities. The City Council sets policies; the city manager and his staff carry them out. Since its incorporation as a city in 1963, Virginia Beach has had only six city managers. Spore is, by far, the longest-serving.

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