City Manager Unfiltered

Port Huron City Manager James Freed had never been the subject of an ethics complaint. That is until he raised concerns about the social media activities of Martha Perego, the "ethics guru" at the International City/County Management Association. When he got a call from Perego's subordinate, Jessica Cowles, just a few weeks later, his "Spidey-sense" tingled. He asked to call her back so he could record the conversation. He would soon find out that Cowles was attempting to investigate him for violating the ICMA Code of Ethics. In this episode, we listen in on the conversation as the ICMA ethics team attempts to weaponize the organization's Code of Ethics and its enforcement. SHOW NOTES: James Freed Letter to Martha Perego ICMA CEO Marc Ott letter to Freed Announcing Discipline of Perego ICMA Rules of Procedure (February 2019 Edition) SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

James Freed sent a polite, professional letter to the ICMA ethics director in 2018. Little did he know that that letter would haunt him for the next five years as rogue staff members from the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA) would wage a campaign to ruin his career, destroy his professional reputation, and deprive him of his ability to feed for his wife and children. Freed noticed that Martha Perego, the ICMA ethics guru, used the organization's twitter handle @ICMAethics to engage in anti-Republican and anti-conservative political activity. He simply asked her to change her handle or to refrain from such activity. Freed, an ICMA member since he was in college, cherished the organization and valued its mission statement which prohibited partisan political activity -- something Perego, the "ethics guru", knew all too well. The retaliation was immediate and sustained. Eventually, Perego and her subordinate, Jessica Cowles, would manufacture a case against him ultimately leading to his public censure and the stripping of his certified manager credential. He fought back and filed an anti-defamation lawsuit. This is his shocking story. SHOW NOTES: James Freed Letter to Martha Perego ICMA CEO Marc Ott letter to Freed Announcing Discipline of Perego Port Huron City Council Letter Rebuking the ICMA James Freed Response to ICMA Censure James Freed Lawsuit Filing SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page Note: Page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We discuss the different types of betrayal former Hallandale Beach city manager Daniel Rosemond encountered throughout his ordeal in this third and final installment of our interview series. We talk about the following: You will learn that the Florida League of Cities, an organization that prides itself on supporting good governance, has joined forces with Hallandale Beach and supporting its appeal of Daniel Rosemond's court awarded judgment for wrongful termination. See a copy of their amicus curiae brief below. You will learn that there are conflicts of interest that exist between state municipal leagues and state-ICMA chapters -- and guess what -- the city managers are coming out on the losing end. And you will learn that when Rosemond reached out to the ICMA in his time of need, the organization ghosted him and never responded to him. SHOW NOTES: Daniel Rosemond is the author of "Death of the Public Servant" and CEO of the East to West Development Corporation. You are invited to reach out and contact him for professional advice and consultation on affordable housing initiatives and to support him by purchasing his book. Florida League of Cities Amicus Curiae Brief SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page

Gabe Reaume, a 20-something aspiring city manager harassed by tweakers stealing his laundry moves in with Joan, his best friend's 80-something grandmother. This unlikely duo form a deep bond that would shape and influence him as he became a husband, father, and eventually a city manager. Reaume recounts this friendship in his book "Strangers & Angels" and documents his rise from Michigan farm boy to become the city manager for Saginaw, Texas, a rapidly growing city of about 25,000 in the burgeoning Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex. In this memoir filled with beautiful angels and kind strangers, Reaume courageously pulls back the curtains on his frailties and shortcomings. We join him on his journey, observe his metamorphosis, and fully immerse ourselves in the colorful tapestry of amazing characters who have influenced him. They helped shaped his infectiously positive outlook on life and love for his fellow man which ultimately serves as the foundational bedrock of his committment to public service. But, it always comes back to Joan, the amazingly beautiful woman who loved to live, even though life could be very painful. We learn how she reinvents herself after tragedy strikes through the eyes of a young Gabe who is simply trying to find himself as he fully enters adulthood. As we recount the life of Joan and meander through the pages of "Strangers and Angels", the seasoned veteran of city management imparts his pearls of wisdom to those aspiring to become city managers much like she imparted her priceless lessons on living and loving to Gabe -- no doubt adorned in pearls. SHOW NOTES: Please consider supporting a fellow public sector executive and purchasing Gabe Reaume's book from this Amazon link: Strangers & Angels: Finding Family in Unexpected Places SUPPORT THE SHOW: Don't forget to subscribe/follow the podcast and to leave a rating and review on your platform of choice. Note: This post has an affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Micah Guadet has created the first and only comprehensive course specifically designed to teach public sector professionals how to use ChatGPT to add value to their organization. "Unlocking ChatGPT for the Public Sector" is designed to take someone with absolutely zero experience and help them become a subject matter expert on ChatGPT within their organization in just a few weekends. Then "level up" and purchase this course that comes with more than 5 hours of video instructions from Micah. When you complete the course, Micah will also send you a certificate of completion so you can add your ChatGPT proficiency to your resume. Do not miss this opportunity to add some rocket fuel to your career trajectory. It is an absolute "no-brainer" and you would be foolish to pass on this opportunity. Don't forget to enter "CMU" as the promo code at check-out to save $50. There are only a few "game changer" moments in your professional career. This is one of them. You have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Don't blow it! Enroll in this first-of-its-kind course to position yourself and your community at the forefront of AI in the public sector. You won't just learn; you'll become a pioneer in ethical AI integration. Acquire specialized ChatGPT skills and join a cohort shaping the future of public sector communication. By joining, you'll not only upskill but also empower your community in the evolving landscape of public administration. COURSE HIGHLIGHTS: SHOW NOTES: "Unlocking ChatGPT for the Public Sector" by Micah Guadet Promo Code: CMU (save $50) SUPPORT THE PODCAST: Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page

On August 11, City of Marion police officers and Marion County deputies raided the office of the Marion County Record newspaper; the home of its co-owners, Eric Meyer and his 98 year old mother, Joan Meyer; and the home of Marion vice mayor Ruth Herbel, 80. Joan passed away the following day with many attributing her death to the stress of the raid. The unprecedented raid sent shockwaves throughout the journalism community and generated international headlines for the small town of just 2,000 people. In this episode with Eric Meyer, we dissect the events that transpired, examine the players and possible motivations behind the raid, and discuss whether he will file lawsuit(s) against the city over the illegal raid and death of his mother. MAIN CHARACTERS: Kari Newell, Restaurant Owner Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody Marion City Administrator Brogan Jones Marion Mayor David Mayfield Marion Vice-Mayor Ruth Herbel Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey Judge Laura Viar Marion County Record Publisher/Co-owner Eric Meyer Marion County Record Report Phyllis Zorn Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattivi Pam Maag - Kari Newell's ex-friend who tipped off the newspaper SHOW NOTES: Probable Cause Affidavit SUPPORT THE SHOW: Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page

This is Part 2 of my interview series with Daniel Rosemond, the former city manager for the City of Hallandale Beach, Florida. In this episode, we walk through his quest for justice on his way to winning a $4.4 million verdict from a jury. We examine the challenges of finding legal representation, how the legal system works, and get into the nitty-gritty of lawsuits, settlements, and financial aspects of paying taxes and attorneys who work on a contingency basis. Rosemond takes us down a road that most city managers will never travel. Don't miss it and don't forget to catch Part 3 which will be released in September. Part 1: Death of the Public Servant Part 2: Revenge of the Public Servant Part 3: Betrayal of the Public Servant SHOW NOTES: Daniel Rosemond is the author of "Death of the Public Servant" and CEO of the East to West Development Corporation. You are invited to reach out and contact him for professional advice and consultation on affordable housing initiatives and to support him by purchasing his book. SUPPORT THE SHOW: Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page

Topeka City Manager Stephen Wade's battle with depression and mental illness came to a head in June when he attempted suicide. Wade was a "hometown" boy done good and was only about 10 months into his tenure as city manager. After being placed on indefinite leave with pay, he would be shockingly terminated for cause about a month later. In the aftermath of his dismissal, Wade opted to courageously share his mental health struggles publicly by granting an interview with the Topeka Capital-Journal. After reading that article I contacted Stephen and invited him to be a guest on the show, which he graciously agreed to do. This episode features a raw, intimate, and unfiltered look at mental health, suicide, and the extreme stress and pressures city managers must endure as they lead a city and attempt to keep multiple bosses (e.g., elected officials) and stakeholder groups happy. SHOW NOTES: During the interview, Stephen cited two sources of help that may be of value to you. This includes: The Spoon Theory by Christine Miserandino, and Damon Parker and "The Jones Project" SUPPORT THE PODCAST: If you like the show and enjoy the content, please take a moment to leave a rating AND a review on Apple or your preferred platform. It really does mean a lot to me and gives me a lot of motivation to continue producing content for the podcast. It is a lot of work and very time consuming. Thank you!

Daniel Rosemond suffered a horrific, career-killing termination as city manager for Hallandale Beach, Florida back in 2016. It ruined his reputation, ended his career, and forever altered his view of public service -- to say nothing of the horrendous impact it has had on him and his family psychologically, emotionally, and financially. In 2022, he was vindicated in court when a jury awarded him a $4.4 million dollar judgment after only deliberating for about an hour. But Rosemond's saga was not over. Hallandale Beach has appealed the judgment and Rosemond's journey now stretches 7 years. In this 3-part series, we talk about the: Rosemond has walked a path that most city managers will never endure, thankfully. Do not miss this special interview series. If you are like me, you will be enjoy a rollercoaster ride of emotions consisting of shock, sadness, disgust, and seething, righteous anger. SHOW NOTES: Daniel Rosemond is the author of "Death of the Public Servant" and CEO of the East to West Development Corporation. You are invited to reach out and contact him for professional advice and consultation on affordable housing initiatives and to support him by purchasing his book. SUPPORT THE SHOW: Please rate and review the podcast on Apple or your preferred platform if you enjoy the show. It helps tremendously. But more importantly, refer your friends and peers to podcast through personal conversations and posts on your social media platforms. Joe Turner's LinkedIn Page

Baker Tilly allowed a city manager candidate to be subjected to a computerized voice stress analysis test in Canfield, Ohio. These are supposedly "lie detector" tests, but they are really just pseudo-scientific quackery that often give inaccurate results. This candidate was smeared and tarnished by Canfield Police Chief Chuck Colucci in the local paper where he was quoted as saying: "Those tests determined he was not the best match for the city at this time." The obvious implication presented to the public was that the candidate failed the lie detector test. In this episode we discuss how difficult it is to hold public sector executive recruitment firms accountable for their poor treatment of city managers. We also discuss how city managers and other municipal executives can work together to ensure that our concerns and perspectives are taken into account during the recruitment process. SHOW NOTES: In this podcast, we gave shout outs to three other podcasts that public sector executives may find interesting and plugged a book written by a public sector administrator. They are as follows: Brandon Holland's podcast called: "Lead Well" Nicholas Tietsort's podcast called: "Starts Local, Ends Local" Sean Glavin's podcast called: "WHY People" Dylan Hayden's book called: "The Public Administrator's Guide to ChatGPT"

City Manager Tim Rundel is the city manager for the City of Weed, California. He is also a documentarian and an artist. He has been working for several years to get a sitcom about a small town city manager produced. Think of a cross between "The Office" and "Parks & Recreation". The show is called "City of Weed." A pilot is set to be filmed in the next couple of months and a casting call has been issued. Tim talks us through the development of this show and how it came to fruition. He also talks about his soon-to-be-released documentary about an Oklahoma subculture consisting of indivduals who use riding lawnmowers as their primary form of transportation. It is called the "B'CATS: Bryan County Alternative Transportation Society." Along the way, Tim recounts some of the crazy situtions he encountered as the city manager for Durant, Oklahoma in this hilarious and entertaining episode. SHOW NOTES: B'CATS Trailer City of Weed Comedy Series Facebook Page Okie Noodling Documentary

Whitewater (WI) City Manager John Weidl was a skeptic about ChatGPT until he listened to Episode No. 4 of the City Manager Unfiltered podcast with Micah Gaudet. He literally created an account and started exploring ChatGPT during that episode and quickly realized the amazing potential and benefits of this technology. In this podcast, we examine how he and his staff have used ChatGPT in just the last couple of weeks, why he believes his staff eagerly adopted the technology, along with some additional ways public sector executives and aspiring city managers can use ChatGPT to assist in their job search and career development. SHOW NOTES: Comprehensive ChatGPT course for public sector employees interest form: CLICK LINK Micah will be the instructor for an AI webinar hosted by SGR on July 25, 2023: CLICK LINK Micah will serve as the moderator for a discussion on AI hosted by CivStart on July 27, 2023: CLICK LINK Live Podcast & Networking event in Austin - If you are interested you need to fill out this form TODAY so we can gauge interest: INTEREST FORM LINK Record a question for the upcoming Daniel Rosemond interview about his book "Death of a Public Servant": CLICK LINK

The city manager search in Canfield, Ohio raises a lot of questions that must be answered by public sector recruitment firm Baker Tilly. This is the first recruitment I am aware of where a city manager candidate was subjected to the pseudoscientific quackery of computerized voice stress analysis. It appears to have been at the direction of Canfield Police Chief Chuck Calucci. However, Calucci stated in newspaper articles that Baker Tilly would be the one responsible for the background checks. I believe Baker Tilly needs to terminate this contract, extricate itself from the situation, and clarify its involvement with this test. SHOW NOTES: In this episode I highlighted the following individuals and events: Micah GaudetStrategic Government ResourcesWomen Leading GovernmentLeave a recorded message for me

Trash hauling rates are skyrocketing across the country, but there are ways you can save your residents money by utilizing a private sector mentality as a public sector executive. In this episode, we discuss what it means to have a private sector mentality, how to acquire one if you do not have one, and ultimately, how to create an environment that promotes competition so that your residents pay less for trash services.

Micah Gaudet is a deputy city manager for the City of Maricopa (pop. 63,000) overseeing all public safety operations. Maricopa is the second fastest growing city in Arizona and the 12th fastest growing city in the United States. Micah has quickly carved out a niche as one of the leading voices on the usage of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence in the public sector. In this episode, he provides real world examples on how you can use this incredible technology to immediately add value in the workplace and put your career trajectory on a rocketship! No fluff or theory. We're talking real world applicability you can use today! During the interview, I challenged Micah to put together a comprehensive, multi-week course specifically designed for public sector professionals. What better way to learn how to use ChatGPT than by a public sector professional who is actively using it. Please fill out this form if you are interested in learning more about a ChatGPT course, Find Micah Gaudet on Linkedin and at his YouTube channel.

City and county governments expect their newly hired manager to be "all-in" and make a significant investment in their community. This often includes a residency requirement as a condition of acceptance. Yet, many employers refuse to pay the travel expenses of the candidate's spouse during the recruitment process. Host Joe Turner recounts a recent recruitment experience where his wife's travel expenses were not reimbursed and he articulates why he believes local governments should happily pay for a candidate's spouse to travel to the interview.

Getting the job offer is exciting, but you can't let emotions get in the way of negotiating a great contract for you and your family. In this episode, I talk about the different types of risks we face as city managers and public sector executives. I also discuss why we have contracts, the most important contract provision, and articulate what I believe to be the most important objective for every city manager during contract negotiations. Show Notes: Copy of former El Paso City Manager Tommy Gonzalez' Contract

Being a city manager can be a tough, lonely job. But, I am here to tell you that you are not alone and that there is an entire community of professionals that want to help you succeed. In this episode, I lay out my three primary objectives for this podcast: (1) build a community for ambitious city managers and public sector executives, (2) help you with your personal and professional development, and (3) create an advocacy/crisis response mechanism so that we can help protect and preserve the reputations of city managers who are being unprofessionally targeted and fired. Show Notes: Here is a link to the ChatGPT/AI seminar hosted by Micah Gaudet, a Deputy City Manager for the City of Maricopa, Arizona.

Listen up, fellow city managers! We're taking a beating. We’re getting fired faster than ever – often in humiliating fashion. And frankly, I am sick and tired of it. I am Joe Turner, the host of City Manager Unfiltered, a new podcast coming soon. City Manager Unfiltered is created by a city manager, for city managers. Nobody is out there fighting for us! We’re on an island all by ourselves. If you are an ambitious city manager or public sector executive looking to level-up your career, check out my podcast: City Manager Unfiltered.