LETTERS: JACKSON NEEDS MOST QUALIFIED CITY MANAGER

To the editor:

The mayor of Jackson says he wants to replace the city manager, who resigned, immediately by hiring an in-house employee due to the need to follow up on current and projected projects and several pending litigations. Granted, there may be one or several individuals within the city staff who would be qualified, but I feel that to get the most qualified person would require publishing the opening in a national search.

The pay for the position is excellent, and Jackson's continued growth certainly would provide a good addition to the resume of someone moving up the ladder. Should there be numerous replies to the ad, the regional planning office would probably be willing to screen the applications and submit a limited number to the board of aldermen and mayor for review. I feel Jackson citizens deserve at least to get the most for their money.

The next board of aldermen meeting is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Please attend and lend a hand in giving the board your views.

KAREN McCULLOUGH

Jackson, Mo.