Monday, June 28, 1999
Shirey may have dodged the ax
Heimlich's support may enable city manager to keep his job
BY WILLIAM A. WEATHERS
The Cincinnati Enquirer
John Shirey
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Embattled City Manager John Shirey received a lukewarm vote of confidence from Councilman Phil Heimlich on Sunday, a move that improves his chances of retaining his job as Cincinnati's top administrator — at least through December.
City council is to reconvene a closed-door meeting this morning to complete Mr. Shirey's annual performance review. Speculation is that at least three council members favor firing the manager and that Mr. Heimlich had been undecided on the issue.
Mr. Shirey has been city manager since 1993.
Acknowledging he thinks Mr. Shirey “definitely has some weak points,” Mr. Heimlich said council — not the city manager — is to blame for perceived shortcomings on matters of the city's progress.
“I've been less than happy with council's performance,” Mr. Heimlich said. “I don't think Mr. Shirey should be made a scapegoat for failed council leadership.”
Consequently, Mr. Heimlich said, the decision should be made by the new council elected in November.
Mayor Roxanne Qualls recently criticized Mr. Shirey for lack of progress with downtown development, and called for a separate development commission.
In Mr. Shirey's defense, Mr. Heimlich noted council has on several occasions disregarded the city manager's recommendations on city matters.
He cited the manager's recommendation to budget a surplus for future use. The council instead decided to spend $15 million of the surplus on their pet projects, including a children's health club.
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