Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >> (click to enlarge) Former Monroe City Administrator James Southworth   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Wednesday, December 31, 2008 Monroe fires its city administrator The only explanation from the mayor is that the city wants to go in "another direction" By Debra Smith Herald Writer MONROE -- Jim Southworth, the city's administrator for nearly six years, will lose his job today. The City Council voted unanimously to terminate Southworth's contract after a closed-door session earlier this month. Mayor Donnetta Walser called the session to discuss employee performance issues with the potential for litigation. No explanation was given for the termination. "It was a combination of things," Walser said. "We are looking at reorganizing and going in another direction. We're trying to streamline some things and deliver service in a different way." She declined to elaborate. She plans to discuss a candidate for interim city administrator at Tuesday's City Council meeting. Southworth began working as city administrator in May 2002. Before that, he served as a city manager for the city of Toppenish, near Yakima. "I've been doing this for 35 years," he said. "It's something that happens periodically to my peers in this profession." Southworth said his termination notice came without a cause and he declined to offer one. He plans to look for other opportunities and take some time off to relax, he said. Legally, city officials can't comment on what happened during a closed-door session on personnel matters or disclose why Southworth was fired, City Councilman Mitch Ruth said. Ruth has known Southworth personally and professionally for half a dozen years. "Jim is a very experienced, educated professional," Ruth said. "On a personal level, I like Jim. Professionally, I have much respect for his ability." The mayor and the city administrator have not had a relationship that has been "beneficial to the community," Ruth said. At least one other time, the mayor asked to authorize termination of the contract with Southworth, but the City Council took no action, Ruth said. In the past, he said members of the council have questioned Southworth about his management style and how he handled his administrative duties. "I'm not sure we have all the information," Ruth said. "We are legislative, not executive." The city administrator serves under the direction of the mayor, supervising administrative affairs of the city. The city administrator is responsible for making sure city ordinances and policies are carried out. The administrator helps coordinate business between the City Council and city officers and departments. His duties also include overseeing and supervising city offices, departments, commissions and boards. Debra Smith: 425-339-3197 or dsmith@heraldnet.com. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

1. Emory’s owner fears fire was arson 2. Monroe honking case makes it to state Supreme Court 3. Vatican ponders the souls in space 4. 81 veterans' names, 81 meaningful lives honored in Snohomish 5. Hope dims that Olympics will boost region 6. Student hit in crosswalk to return 7. Smokey Point to celebrate end of roadwork 8. Death on Edmonds waterfront ruled a suicide 9. Help for young moms may continue 10. Semifinal slate sealed on ‘Dancing With Stars’ 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Bazaar Fever • Hawks proud of historic season • Olson always put Edmonds first • Honoring student veterans • ‘Wheedle' author comes to Lynnwood bookshop • Mavs build early lead en route to easy win • Prep football games of the week (state playoffs) • Tears of laughter, tears of grief • Death on Edmonds beach likely a suicide • Boeing will build, flight test and deliver 787s in South Carolina to spe ... • Snohomish County EDC promoting job growth in key industry clusters • $4 million grant to advance brain tumor research has Everett links • Providence medical center construction tops off its 12-story steel frame ... • Tulalip affordable housing project to be financed by KeyBank, Raymond Ja ... • Arlington's Lak of Ink has a growing following for Luke Kooyman's creati ... • Bank of the Northwest formed • Cascade Bank earns $1.6 million