SeaTac sticking with Cutts as interim city manager

February 7, 2010

With the threat of another election to change SeaTac's form of government looming over them and the city reeling from multiple controversies, SeaTac lawmakers have decided to hold off on seeking a permanent city manager.

In a special meeting Feb. 5, council members voted unanimously to retain Todd Cutts as interim city manager. Cutts indicated he would appoint an interim assistant manager from among the city's existing staff to help him with his workload.

Cutts was promoted to acting city manager in October after City Manager Craig Ward was suspended and removed from his duties. Cutts was assistant city manager and had originally come to the city as economic development director.

Councilwoman Pam Fernald reminded the council of numerous controversies over the past year, including cost overruns on a fire station, the removal of Ward and a condemnation action against a parking lot next to the airport light-rail station. The condemnation was rescinded in January.

"A lot of flux has gone on but things are starting to come together," Fernald said. "Todd has soldiered through this. Why change horses in the middle of the stream?

SeaTac resident Earl Gipson warned lawmakers at the start of the meeting that he will sponsor another resolution calling for SeaTac to change to an elected mayor form of government. That would eliminate the city manager as the city's top administrator. A similar measure failed by 9 votes in the November election.

"To be blunt, I have a feeling no one would take the (city manager) job on a permanent basis if the form of government may change in two years," Mayor Terry Anderson said.

Guest wrote 29 weeks 4 days ago

Fire his ass

I think after another TWO years with Terry Anderson as the bumbling "mayor," all SeaTac citizens are going to regret that the elected mayor form of government did not pass.

As for Todd Cutts, looked who trained him. It is my understanding that Craig Ward, Todd's former boss, was let go for several indiscretions, one of which the SeaTac citizens paid for. Do you really think Todd Cutts is any different?

Doris Cassan wrote 29 weeks 3 days ago

Mayor Anderson

Give Mayor Anderson a break. Her home is in SeaTac and she has devoted much of her time and energy to the City of SeaTac. Many, many hours for very, very little pay. She deserves respect. I may not always agree with her decisions, but she certainly has my respect.

Mr. Cutts may be the best candidate, but unless you do some investigations to see what is in the market place, you do not know. Does Mr. Cutts care about the City of SeaTac or does he care about his resume? I do believe Mr. Cutts was employed by the City when some of the controversial decisions were made.

There are a lot of restless troops, citizens, property owners, stakeholders who are watching. Those restless troops need to rebuild confidence.

Confidence is not build when the Council forms an adhoc committee for citizens' input and then cancels scheduled meetings and schedules a Council charrette. Was this Mr. Cutt's idea?

Pam Fernald wrote 29 weeks 2 days ago

fire his ass

Guest,

I invite you to attend a council meeting and share your revealing insights with everyone in person.

Gene Fisher (Deputy Mayor) SeaTac wrote 29 weeks 1 day ago

Todd Cutts

I have been in the decision process of choosing 5 city managers, analyzing numerous resumes and interviewing many applicants from all over the United Sates for this position, it became very clear there is no silver bullet, it is what it is. Everyone seems to want change; how we do it is a difference of opinion. That is why I supported the change of government as did at least half the citizens, and almost half this council. No mater the outcome I am absolutely positive it is this council that has to set the direction of this city by legislation and the budget. Blaming or rotating professional bureaucrat's city managers is a cop out, the direction of this city and therefore the blame is solely on this council whether we pick the executive branch or the citizens do.
I have been a real "pina" to all city managers, but Todd is the only one that took the time to at least write down my suggestions for a radical changes. Unlike the professional bureaucrats that are attune to the system, I believe he will make the changes especially when he knows a majority of the council is for it rather than wait for legislation to force it. I've seen city managers openly defy the entire council's wishes and get away with it. We recently sent a strong message that we will no longer tolerate that. Todd will follow the wishes of the majority of the council; if he don't he will be gone this council had a waking that future blame for all the CM actions rests directly on this council, especially when we, not the citizens chose the executive branch.
Gene Fisher Deputy Mayor (SeaTac)

Guest wrote 29 weeks 1 day ago

That's great, however

Deputy Mayor Fisher,

The council can start by directing Mr. Cutts to rid us of the Director of Planning. The Director is a known obstructionist/bane to property owners and businesses alike, yet has managed to keep his job. Previously City Manager Craig Ward was a known poor manager and kept his job for 5 years until he became a political embarrassment.

Actions peak louder than words. Show us.

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