Former public works director named city manager

Doug Leslie, described by city employees as a "down to earth person" and "customer-service oriented," was hired Friday as Cape Girardeau's new city manager.

It's a job he's held on an interim basis since May 30 when the city council fired former manager Michael Miller. Mayor Jay Knudtson announced the appointment at city hall today, surrounded by council members and city department heads.

He said Leslie was chosen from among 61 applicants and three finalists.

"The council made a conscious decision to move this city in a different and new direction some four months ago," Knudtson told reporters.

"The new direction is all about attitude and recognizing the fact that the citizens of Cape Girardeau are our top priority," he said.

The mayor said the council's decision to hire Leslie was unanimous. "His commitment, leadership and passion for the city of Cape Girardeau made him the obvious choice for the city's top post," Knudtson said.

Leslie, 53, has served as director of public works for the city since 1990. He has over 29 years of municipal upper management experience, including 11 years as city manager of Nevada, Mo.

He and his wife, Sara, live in Cape Girardeau.