I like Margaret. I got to know her and her family on a hockey trip to Sweden where I took 30 kids on a cultural trip in 2007. Great folks. I donated to Margaret's campaign for Governor and am disappointed she did not get past the primary.
I don't think that being the Park Board Superintendent would have been the best thing for her and for Minneapolis. Margaret would have brought great experience in working with the state government for funding and she definitely was vested in our community. But, the Superintendent job is a 'CEO' position where she did not have the experience from a leadership or a parks background. Her getting the job over candidates with that leadership and 'running a park system' experience would have reeked of political cronyism - whether it existed or not.
With that said, the Park Board is down to three candidates. All appear to have some question marks. Have to agree with Commissioner Bob Fine, who feels that the Park Board should hold off and extend the Superintendent search until after Minneapolis hosts a late October convention for Park Board Superintendents from around the United States. Probably a good idea.
I did note that the pay rate being offered is in the $130-150k range. That's more than the campaign promise made by Commissioner Bourn to keep it within 5% of the Mayor's pay. What the Board is also finding is it is very difficult to attract top talent at that pricepoint. If they are really, really good.....they can make more money elsewhere. Park Board should review the compensation to see if that is one of the reasons why they are getting a very limited number of candidates that are qualified and quality. The Superintendent manages over 600 employees and a $60million+ budget. What do CEO's of private sector companies with similar size earn?
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