Dallas Cothrum: Kim Tolbert is a good city manager candidate, but the process of hiring for that position has been a carnival.
Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Harrison L. Blair flexes as City Manager T.C. Broadnax joined a group photo of Dallas City Council members congratulating Deputy City Manager Kim Bizor Tolbert who was voted in as the interim city manager. The meeting and announcement took place in the Dallas City Hall chambers on Feb. 27, 2024.
Tolbert was named interim city manager following the decision of her predecessor, T.C. Broadnax, to move to Austin as that city’s manager. This newspaper captured an image of Broadnax and Tolbert celebrating the appointment with elected officials and influential community members. The CEO of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, Harrison Blair, whose family has a legacy of leadership and great deeds in the city, is celebrating like it’s a touchdown.
During the Broadnax administration she was in charge of water and aviation — departments that run themselves. More alarming, she was in charge of the Office of Homeless Solutions, Human Resources and the Small Business Center . All these departments have serious problems.The search process has been so flawed the previous finalists withdrew only to be replaced by other candidates with no chance of getting the job. Tolbert is playing against the junior varsity.
Tolbert promised to deliver. I took notes. Everyone should. The expectations should be high and the timeline brief for results.At the community meeting, a Baker Tilly representative informed citizens they could only ask questions about leadership. One gentleman in the audience audibly moaned. People knew the game was rigged. DuPree complained that employees were present and pushing for Tolbert, their boss. They were present at all three public meetings, a Greek chorus.
I reached out to proven city managers in the area over the last few months to ask if they would apply. Most said no thank you because they viewed their suburban jobs as superior. Some said they thought it was not a real search. The former longtime and excellent administrator of the Dallas Board of Adjustment, Steve Long, told me the search is “a crappy charade.”I’m not opposed to Tolbert’s appointment. I just think the council should have been transparent.
I believe she wants this to happen. I was impressed she recently loaded a van of employees and went over to the Building Inspection offices intent on fixing the mess. She’s implemented a progressive third-party review for single-family home construction and simple tenant finish outs — sort of a skip-the-line process. She’s the first person to get the attention of Building Inspection employees in years — no easy task. I’m somewhat optimistic things may improve, but there’s a long way to go.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dallas Hero threat of lawsuit over Dallas homeless encampments a shameSuing the city over the problem of homelessness isn't the solution.
Read more »
Author Ben Fountain left Dallas, but Dallas may never let him goHailed as a genius and beloved for his generosity, the award-winning novelist has moved from the city he helped the rest of us understand.
Read more »
Easy Cold-Weather Recipes from The Dallas Morning NewsThe Dallas Morning News shares pantry-friendly recipes for surviving winter weather in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Read more »
Kim Deal Tells Kim Gordon Why Contemporary Life Feels Like a Disaster MovieRock's indie darlings Kim Deal and Kim Gordon take a round two on their 1995 Interview conversation after Deal's new solo album drop.
Read more »
CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert give Cowboys big lead over PanthersCeeDee Lamb followed up a 28-yard grab with a 14-yard touchdown against the Panthers.
Read more »
Could Dallas Become Home to a Casino-Resort Complex?The potential legalization of gambling in Texas could lead to the construction of a casino-resort complex by the Adelson family, with Dallas as a possible location. This development could have a significant impact on Downtown Dallas, especially considering the expiring leases of the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center.
Read more »