Five Reasons Rosenberg Needs a New City Manager

The current City Manager, Mr. Robert Gracia, has been an employee of the city for more than 30 years in several capacities, mainly in the police department. We are grateful for his extensive service but it’s time for a new person with greater qualifications and expertise as City Manager.

Mr. Gracia:

• Lacks financial and development expertise. An indispensable asset moving forward for a growing city like Rosenberg. This growth demands the city to make large capital investments requiring a high degree of financial and development expertise.

• Have significantly increased personnel. In the last 2 years the number of city employees has grown at a higher rate than under previous city managers. A main reason is the need to compensate for the lack of expertise as City Manager.

• Has been part of antiquated philosophy and methods. The changes in times and population requires a city government to be forward looking with a manager that has either been highly trained or experienced in the latest methods.

• Doesn’t have the courtesy to live in the city. City managers live in the city that pays their generous salaries. Citizens deserve a person that’s 100% committed to the betterment of the community and endures the same challenges as other residents of the city.

• Has rescinded on his verbal agreement to retire at the end of current council’s term. Neither this City Council nor the one after the May 2015 election should be held hostage with a definite term contract. The Charter of the city is very specific, “the city manager shall not be appointed for a definite term but may be removed at the will and pleasure of the city council by a vote of the majority of the entire council”.

For these 5 reasons Rosenberg needs a new city manager. This is not intended to criticize Mr. Gracia, just an observation.

Heber Castillo

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