Proper process ignored

Published: February 17, 2009 7:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Most members of current Coldstream council were often extremely quick to accuse their predecessors of ignoring process. It's something we heard over the construction of sewer lines, a proposed sports complex and the dismissal of the fire chief. But now it appears that the present crop of politicians are loathe to follow process themselves. And specifically I am referring to the hiring of a chief administrative officer. Now first I should make it abundantly clear that I do not take issue with Michael Stamhuis taking on the job. I dealt with him frequently when he was at the North Okanagan Regional District and then when he moved to Coldstream as director of engineering services. I have always found him approachable and capable, so none of my comments should be considered a reflection on him. But I am left wondering why council would ignore the traditional recruitment process when trying to fill the most senior bureaucratic position in the municipality? Why wasn't the job posted? Why weren't ads placed so interested candidates could send in their resumes? And these questions are particularly relevant when those hiring practices are being followed to hire a director of financial administration.

Once again, this isn't an issue about Stamhuis' experience or skills, and he may very well have led the pack if council had solicited resumes and gone through interviews. But the reality is there could be someone out there who is even a better fit, not only for council but for the entire community. And particularly when its taxpayers' dollars at work and the CAO is so critical to the operation of the overall organization, shouldn't every possible option be considered?

But of course ignoring the hiring process is nothing new within local government. Wendy Kay moved up from within the ranks to become CAO in Coldstream, while that is how Leon Gous in Vernon and Greg Betts at NORD got their jobs. The argument can be made that internal promotions are good for morale and give employees something to strive for. But if a position comes open and a true recruitment process is initiated, there is nothing stopping a worker from applying. One also has to consider that mayor and council all had to apply for their jobs and pitch themselves to their bosses (voters), so why should the bureaucracy be any different? I am also left wondering if council is expecting too much of Stamhuis. Besides becoming CAO, he will continue to serve as director of engineering at least until the end of the year, and he will fill in as director of financial administration until a new treasurer is found. Even if he's a master at juggling schedules, all of these duties could prove daunting for Stamhuis, and burnout will certainly not benefit him, his family, his staff or the community. There is only so much one person can take. Possibly council opted to go the route it did because it has complete confidence in Stamhuis. But perhaps the politicians were looking to avoid rolling up their sleeves, sifting through resumes and making some tough decisions. And if the latter's the case, they forget why they were actually elected.