Young guns and giving

I’m sure Mark Orme has his detractors. There’s no way to avoid them when you’re leading an organization. I know first-hand. But, truth be told, I haven’t heard much in the way of criticism of our new city manager since he was promoted to that post in July. Maybe it’s because he’s an affable guy. Or maybe city staffers have let go of their misgivings now that his predecessor, Brian Nakamura, who was the top dog when all of the layoffs took place, is long gone.

When I spoke with Orme last Thursday for this week’s cover feature, a Q&A, I was impressed that he didn’t balk at any of my questions, including one about the fact that he makes more money than Gov. Jerry Brown. He didn’t bristle either, in part because—as he stated—he knows that $207,500 is a whole lot of dough. Sure, he was pretty diplomatic in several of the responses, but overall I found him to speak as candidly as one could expect from someone in his position.

One of the main things I like about Orme is that he doesn’t owe anyone anything. He’s accountable to the City Council members, of course, but doesn’t have longtime allegiances to staffers or special interests. The same was true of Nakamura, but in hindsight I just don’t think that our short-timer city manager fit in well here.

For a city of its size, Chico is unique. Citizens here are extremely engaged in government happenings. I don’t think Nakamura understood how some of his actions would demoralize City Hall as a whole and have a ripple effect in the community. One of the instances that comes to mind is when he failed to warn employees before publicly unveiling a massive staff restructuring plan that resulted in demotions for some and layoffs for others.

From what I’ve seen so far, Orme seems to get it. And his sidekick, Assistant City Manager Chris Constantin, seems to get it, too. I’ve appreciated Constantin’s candor at council meetings over the course of his short tenure, first as administrative-services director and now in his new job, especially as it relates to the intricacies of the budget. He and Orme are working hard and seem like a good team.

Speaking of hard work, when I was down at the Saturday farmers’ market last weekend, I happened upon the tail-end of an effort to spruce up City Hall. Turns out, the work came courtesy of city employees who voluntarily gave up their morning and their elbow grease. Unfortunately, I missed my chance at seeing Orme and company getting their hands dirty. Among the missed opportunities: snapping a photo of Constantin using a pressure-washer.

Thanksgiving is coming: It’s been bone-chillingly cold at night this week and stands to be next week, too. Think about that, and then about how easy it would be to give up a blanket or coat or a hot meal to someone who would otherwise be cold and hungry. Chico is home to a number of worthy charitable organizations that could use the public’s help caring for the needy. ’Tis the season.