City Manager

An acquaintance who was a long time influential employee of our city government told me recently that he did not believe Greensboro would move forward as it must until a new city manager is in place. This individual who told this to me has always been a Greensboro booster, and I take his words seriously.

In addition, a number of retired city department heads and other employees contacted me during the recent City Council election campaign to express concerns about the city manager. As far as I know, these are sincere people who have spent lifetimes living in and working for Greensboro. All said they were saddened by the direction our city seems to have taken, and without exception they all pointed to the need for new leadership in the form of a new city manager. I share these concerns and believe it is time for a new manager to be selected.

A new city attorney must be hired; I do not believe our current city manager is the appropriate person to make that decision. The new attorney selection should be made at the direction and discretion of the City Council.

I urge the current City Council to inform Mitchell Johnson that his contract as city manager will not be renewed and to take steps to provide a severance package that is fair and appropriate in the circumstances.