BY JANICE MORSE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Stephen E. Sorrell
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HAMILTON - The Tristate's second-largest city is getting a new leader, and he's determined to raise the city's prominence in the region.
Hamilton City Council on Thursday announced its unanimous decision to move Assistant City Manager Stephen E. Sorrell, 49, into the slot being vacated by City Manager Hal Shepherd, who has said he will retire at the end of March.
Details of the transition were still being worked out Thursday, said Mr. Sorrell, whose top priorities include economic development, broadening the city's appeal and possibly extending its boundaries.
Council's selection, expected to be made official with a vote at council's meeting Wednesday, followed eight hours of work. Council members on Wednesday conducted 90-minute interviews with Mr. Sorrell and two other in-house job candidates, Planning Director Jim Boerke and Public Works Director Mike Samoviski. They then discussed the matter for nearly four hours.
"Even through yesterday the job (of choosing among the candidates) got tougher and tougher," Mayor Tom Nye said at a news conference Thursdayin City Hall. "We were at it until 11 o'clock (Wednesday night)."
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CITY MANAGER'S PLAN
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Stephen E. Sorrell, hired Wednesday to be Hamilton's next city manager, has announced a six-point plan for making the city "stronger, more vibrant and more efficient."
Economic development: Continue focusing on redeveloping abandoned industrial sites and creating new jobs, but also try to enlist more help from existing business leaders. Try to market the city more extensively to developers throughout the region. Consider growth through annexation.
Community concerns: Attempt to change public perceptions about Hamilton being a crime-laden "little Chicago." Take steps to strengthen neighborhoods, increase civic pride, preserve historic structures and improve cooperation between the city government and city schools.
Infrastructure improvements: Upgrade intersections, river crossings, main thoroughfares and major routes; revamp downtown's appearance via a multimillion-dollar "streetscape" program; strengthen city utilities - particularly electric, which has been losing money.
Police and fire services: Provide with strong support and funding, continue reduction in crime, seek out more programs and grants, emphasize community relations, reinforce relations with other police agencies.
Housing improvements: Eliminate or rehabilitate substandard housing, streamline permit and inspection processes.
General objectives: Improve customer service; be more flexible in solving problems; strengthen the "Team Hamilton" labor-management relationship; hold staff accountable; and improve internal communication.
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In a brief acceptance speech Thursday, Mr. Sorrell said he recognized the importance of leading a city administration that answers to 65,000 citizens. He said he wants Mr. Boerke and Mr. Samoviski to continue working for the city and help him establish a strong team. Mr. Sorrell also emphasized fostering better communication and accountability with city employees.
During his interview with council, when Mr. Sorrell was asked how he would interact with subordinates, he said he didn't consider employees "subordinates," Mr. Nye recounted. Rather, he referred to them as "associates," which, the mayor said, provided a glimpse into his management style.
Mr. Sorrell became council's choice because "his (resume) was impressive; his preparation was tremendous," Mr. Nye said. Mr. Sorrell's presentation of a six-point plan to strengthen the city was particularly well-received, said Councilman George McNally. Mr. Sorrell also provided council with documents that highlighted his qualifications and described his vision for the city.
"He was well-prepared, almost to the point of overkill, in my opinion." said Councilman Richard Holzberger.
Still, Mr. Holzberger said council agreed Mr. Sorrell had "the best all-around experience and education."
A city employee since 1979, Mr. Sorrell has served as assistant city manager for almost seven years and was acting finance director for three years. The other two candidates also have been longtime employees, each with more than 20 years' experience, but both hold bachelor's degrees. In contrast, Mr. Sorrell holds a master's degree and is working toward a Ph.D. in political science at the University of Cincinnati.
"I believe I have that combination of factors which make a leader an exceptional leader," he wrote, including listening skills, willingness to take risks and the ability to admit mistakes and move forward.
Mr. Sorrell said he will try to change outsiders' view of Hamilton so they think of it as "a place you can't wait to visit." He also wants residents to think of the city as "a place where you want to raise your children - and a place where they want to stay."
Mr. Sorrell said he does not intend to shake things up too much. "I can't work any longer or any harder than Hal (Shepherd) did. He was married to this job," Mr. Sorrell said. "That means I'm going to have to work smarter, to push the decision-making to the lowest possible level. I don't need to know the details. I need to see the results."
Mr. Shepherd's salary is about $99,000, while Mr. Sorrell is now paid $84,320 annually. The amount of his pay increase is being decided.
