City manager’s style lost favor

Perhaps it was inevitable. The deck was rearranged drastically by a natural disaster and political winds.

But to the finish of his run as Cedar Rapids' first city manager, Jim Prosser was the consummate professional.

Under pressure from critics on the City Council, Prosser resigned Monday. His job was created by the city's historic change from a commission style of professional department heads to a citizen council/professional manager form that voters approved in 2005.

As a finalist for the job, Prosser pitched specifics on how to bring about that difficult transition. The new council believed he had the skills to steer the change.

And after Prosser got the job in August 2006, he followed through. Using restructuring, layoffs and other efficiency measures, he led local government streamlining and emphasized long-range financial planning.

Prosser's experience as a city manager in Minnesota and consultant to city governments seemed to be yielding fruit.

Then came the disastrous 2008 flood. Local government facilities sustained heavy damage. Neighborhoods were virtually wiped out. Prosser threw himself and his staff into the immense task of picking up the pieces and prioritizing the city's response. The fledgling council, still trying to find its leadership voice, looked often to Prosser. He responded. He laid out processes and argued for the city to hire outside experts for guidance through the dark times.

But during last year's mayoral election campaign, Ron Corbett, argued the council had given up too much control to Prosser and that decisions on flood recovery were dragging. As did Don Karr and Chuck Swore, who also won council seats.

After the election, Prosser's supporters worried that he would walk out. To Prosser's credit, he did not. He tried to work with the new mayor and council, while also recognizing his position was perilous.

By Monday, Prosser apparently saw the writing on the wall. Ironically, his devotion to detailed processes and professionalism, so effective during the pre-flood days, may have been his Achilles heel. He was not able to win over the mayor and his backers, nor a majority of public sentiment.

Regardless, Jim Prosser deserves our community's thanks for his tireless service, achievement in reorganizing local government and keeping city services afloat after an event that would mightily test anyone's resolve, energy and skills.

His professionalism showed. His abilities undoubtedly can serve another community. We wish him well.