Thoms' hiring a smart move

Finding a new city manager in Cedar Rapids seems almost as far off today as it did when the search began. But the City Council brought more credibility and stability to the effort this week with their hire of Allan Thomas as interim city manager.

The city manager search appeared to struggle in the early going after Jim Prosser's resignation and separation agreement were approved by the council on April 21. The initial strategy of attracting interest from qualified regional candidates didn't bear fruit.

A couple of weeks ago, the Personnel Committee decided to abandon the regional approach and take bids toward hiring a search firm. At the same time, there surfaced the idea of hiring an interim city manager to handle day-to-day duties while the search for a permanent successor continued.

That option raised some eyebrows. Why hire an interim manager when you have experienced department heads to share the load in the short term? But given the situation, it looks like the City Council made a smart move in hiring Thoms for at least the next three months.

First, there still are many daunting tasks on city staff's plates as flood recovery projects unfold. Casey Drew, city finance director, had been acting city manager but the consensus was that he was overworked even before that assignment.

Second, the city can use a steady, experienced hand overseeing daily operations while the search for a permanent replacement advances.

And third, the city's image could use a boost after the controversy surrounding the resignation of Prosser, a well-respected professional.

Thoms fits all those needs, based on his rich, remarkable career:

l Local government experience: He's a former mayor and city council member in Dubuque. During much of his nearly six years residing in Cedar Rapids, he's been a member of the City Planning Commission.

l State government experience: Former chair of the Iowa Utilities Board; former director, Iowa Department of Economic Development; former chief of staff to then-Gov. Terry Branstad; and former commissioner of the Iowa Department of Transportation.

l Private sector experience: Worked as a consultant for utility companies; been an executive with Verizon Communications Inc., Dubuque Packing Co., Rowley Interstate Transportation Co. and Dubuque Bank & Trust Co.

Thomas says he has no interest in becoming the permanent city manager. However, he's expected to be more than a caretaker during the next several months.

We expect he will, and we welcome his leadership.