Mayor Charlie Luken had hoped to have an official “short-list” of city manager candidates to send to Cincinnati City Council by today. While that list doesn't yet exist — or exists only in Mr. Luken's head — four names seem to be rising to the top:

        • Robert Bobb, city manager of Oakland, Calif.

        • Michael Bierman, former city manager of Columbia, S.C.

        • Valerie Lemmie, city manager of Dayton, Ohio.

        • Tim Riordan, Cincinnati's interim city manager.

        Mr. Bierman, who parted with Columbia City Council earlier this year, is the only candidate who has publicly expressed interest. He applied for the job in 1993, but was edged out by John Shirey. Mr. Shirey resigned effective Dec. 1.

        Mr. Riordan has said he's not interested — although he's left the door open just enough that Mr. Luken continues to woo him.

        Mr. Bobb and Ms. Lemmie — both highly sought-after managers — could not be reached for comment.

        Tom Angus, the search consultant hired by the city to recruit and screen city manager candidates, said Monday that he's working on a broader list of about 11 names.

        “At this point, we're asking, "Would you be a serious candidate? The courting is over. Are you interested or aren't you interested?'” he said.

        Some local candidates have already taken themselves out of consideration. Nick Vehr, who led Cincinnati's unsuccessful Olympic bid, said he doesn't want the job. The same goes for Betty Baker, the acting deputy city manager, and Peg Moertl, newly appointed as the head of the combined department responsible for economic development, housing and neighborhoods.

        Those still in the running, but considered long shots, include Scott Borgemenke, a Columbus lobbyist; Michael Brown, city manager of Savannah, Ga.; Dave Rager, acting assistant city manager; and Steve Strnisha, deputy director of Cleveland Tomorrow.

        The official list, which will be vetted by City Council before Mr. Luken makes a formal nomination, could come in about two weeks, Mr. Luken said. But it could be as late as February.

        “I feel good about where we are,” he said. “But I'm not going to lose the best candidate over a week or two. If someone wants to make another visit or take more time before deciding, I'm going to give it to them.”

        Mr. Angus will also use that time to screen other candidates who have emerged recently, including George J. Penn, assistant city manager of Carson, Calif; George Longmeyer, former village manager of Schaumburg, Ill.; and Samuel A. Finz, city manager of Hollywood, Fla.

        Mr. Luken said he's keeping his options open, but he's not looking for a small-town city manager.

        “With all due respect to those fine people, I don't know that I want to go that direction,” he said.

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