Manassas Still Has No Permanent City Manager

In a new piece, Potomac Local News asked why it has taken so long for the Mayor and City Council to hire a permanent City Manager as Doug Keen’s interim tenure nears one year. The Mayor unfortunately did not provide a comment which has become increasingly routine. She has also refused to comment on staff retention, budget/taxes, and even affordable housing in recent weeks.

Xiao-Yin "Tang" Byrom for Mayor commended Keen’s dedication and service, describing him as “a shining star and an unselfish, dedicated public servant.” Byrom acknowledged the potential strain of having someone in an acting capacity for an extended period but expressed confidence in Keen’s ability to manage the city’s needs during this time. “When elected, I will not rest until we get a full-time city manager hired, and I fully expect Mr. Keen to be instrumental in that process."

Robyn Williams for Manassas City voiced concern over the extended interim period. She pointed to the urgency of appointing a permanent City Manager, questioning why the recruitment process has taken so long. “The fact that a full year has passed without this Mayor and Council hiring a permanent City Manager is deeply concerning,” Williams commented. She emphasized that, if elected, she would make hiring a permanent City Manager a top priority and seek to ensure that the recruitment process is thorough and timely.

Lynn Forkell Greene for Manassas City Council praised Keen’s commitment and experience, noting that he has provided stability during a challenging time for the city. However, Greene echoed that a year is a considerable time for an acting role, emphasizing the need for permanent leadership. “If I were in a position to influence this decision, I would advocate for a thorough and timely search for a permanent City Manager,” Greene stated, stressing the importance of stability and continuity for the city’s future.

Read the full article here.