(July 4, 2007) -- Within hours of casting the sole dissenting vote on appointing an interim City Manager and then voting to approve having Police Chief Anthony Batts do the job, 5th district Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske has used her personally created and written web journal (weblog or "blog") to provide her explanation.

...I voted against a proposal to remove Acting City Manager Chris Shippey from her position because it was argued that while she remained in that position, it would possibly discourage applicants for the City Manager who might feel that an “insider” was in the role. The City Charter does not provide for the Council to appoint an “interim” — we can only appoint a City Manager. I disagree that Shippey holding the “acting” City Manager position (and doing it well) would discourage anyone who really wanted to be considered for City Manager of California’s 5th largest city. I was concerned about the message this action might send. I was out voted.

...[F]ollowing the vote to take the action regarding Chris Shippey, an action was put forward to appoint Chief of Police Anthony Batts as City Manager until the recruitment of a new City Manager is completed sometime in August or September. The Chief holds a Doctorate in Public Administration so his qualifications go far beyond criminal justice. The vote was 9-0. I voted to support Batts as City Manager for this period of time because I feel it is critical that he understands he has the full support of the entire council and because we received assurance that he will not be an applicant for the “permanent” City Manager.

LBReport.com has posted a continuing link to Councilwoman Schipske's web journal on our front page: www.lbreport.com.

Related coverage:

Council Names LB Police Chief Batts As Interim City Manager