Chapter 11 • Oakdale Administrator Case
growth opportunities in the future. Asher was tired, and at this point, he turned off his computer, went to his office door, and turned off the light to head home.
When the day of the August meeting arrived, Asher got up, put on his suit, toasted a bagel, and headed to Oakdale City Hall. As he pulled into his parking space, he noticed that there was a large turnout of citizens. Once he arrived within the building and everyone settled, the meeting commenced. After the formalities, the resolution for the redevelopment project came up for discussion.
Alderman Hauser read the proposal on whether the redevelopment project should proceed or be terminated. Hauser turned first to Paul Asher and asked, “City Administrator Paul Asher, what do you have to say on this issue?”
Discussion Questions
1. How would you address the building problem if you were in Asher’s position? Explain.
2. As city administrator, how should professional and personal ethics inform your actions in this case?
3. Being a nonelected official, how can Asher be effective as a city administrator in the local political environment (including the press and interest groups)?
4. Was the use of authority in procuring contracts for a project manager and an architect an individual, departmental, or systemic problem? Why?
5. How should Asher address Oakdale’s fiscal issues? What would be hi9 most effective course of action? Why?