Editor’s note: In the editorial regarding the selection process for Santa Monica’s new city manager, Lamont Ewell, (SMDP, Dec. 2, page 4), we suggested that city officials should have held public forums so citizens could meet and ask questions of the top three candidates. It is worth noting an opposing viewpoint from a Santa Monica City Councilmember, who said that oftentimes applicants haven’t informed their employers (elected officials and the public) that they are looking for a new job. So holding open forums wouldn’t allow confidentially in their job hunt, potentially damaging their position in the city they serve.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 16, 2005. Read the original PDF.