Menlo Park's dilemma: How to replace Rojas

Double dipping?
BTW how many pensions will Rojas be receiving since he's worked in a number of civic positions throughout the state. And just how much is his Menlo Park pension?
Rojas is retiring, so let's make sure he stays retired - find an interim city manager.

There is great value in having an outsider serve as Interim City Manager - she/he would bring a fresh perspective, has no ownership for prior decisions, would not be a candidate for the permanent position and could make politically difficult decisions without regard to his/her long term employment.

I agree with both Peter and Bob.

With some many very important high level decisions coming up, why have a "Lame Duck" City manager making decisions. Please also note that Glen Kramer, who wrote the report, is retired, on pension, and been hired back as a consultant. Sounds a bit like the "old boys" network to me.

At least from a financial point of view, an overview of Rojas' tenure will reveal a string of deficits budgets, raises to City workers, safety officers huge contract wage raises, more people in his immediate staff. No effort to control costs, but a constant effort to raise revenues with fees, traffic fines etc.

It has not been nice.

1) That is a shameful amount to pay a PUBLIC employee
2) Cut ties with Rojas once and for all

The council should figure out what the city needs before starting a search. I believe what is most needed is someone who understands that the city manager's and business development manager's primary roles are to ensure the city has a sustainable budget. This is achieved by managing costs, which Rojas never would do, and by encouraging businesses that generate sales tax revenue, not by promoting development that only produces property tax revenue that won't grow much over time. The Council also must ensure that the skills of the new manager in a town of our size and type warrant the pay, with room to provide more IF the new manager performs (not pay the exorbitant salary granted to Rojas). Leadership skills (over staff and with peers), and the ability to work with a highly involved community also are important.