IDENTITY AND EXCELLENCE - ROLE MODELS FOR CITY-MANAGERS

Citizens, practitioners, scholars, and elected officials continue to d ebate the range of skills, policy areas, responsibilities, roles, valu es, and work habits forming the city manager's identity. This study de velops detailed profiles of three city managers identified by their pe ers as the best in their respective states. Seven specific recommendat ions are offered providing a ''more coherent image'' of the city manag er. These profiles serves as role models (a) guiding the education of city managers, (b) orienting elected officials to the city manager's j ob, (c) enhancing the public's understanding and acceptance of this le adership position, and (d) testing theories of council-manager governm ent.