City manager performance: a public issue or private one

I was speaking with a friend earlier today who is very unhappy that councilman Bryan Bain has brought the most recent problems with Oshkosh city manager Richard Wollangk to the attention of the media. In all honesty, I don’t think Bryan Bain can be faulted for bringing problems at 215 Church Street to the attention of the media. The media, at least some of us, have known for a long time, about the “secrecy games” played by city administration – for whatever reason. But this friend sees it differently and believes the entire discussion and handling of Mr. Wollangk should be done behind closed doors because it is a personnel issue. That may work in the private sector business world, but not public sector ones. Therein lies the difference.

Mr. Wollangk’s salary and benefits are paid by “we the people;” the building in which his office and the rest of city hall is housed is paid for by “we the people;” he serves at the pleasure of a common council elected by “we the people;” and every thing he does while on the job, directly or indirectly, affects “we the people.” That means that, while some aspects of this situation should perhaps remain private – depending on what they are – “we the people” have a right to make certain demands of our common council members and to expect that they not only take appropriate action, but that they let us know what they’ve done to repair the damage and to begin restoring some level of confidence, even if a small amount, in city hall once again.

If ever there was a time for openness, it is now. Had there been more openness about everything all along “we the people,” and Mr. Wollangk himself, likely would not be in this position today.