Southern Shores seeks new manager - again

SOUTHERN SHORES, N.C. 

The recent vacancy in the town manager's office here is nothing new. It's the fourth time in seven years they've hung that help-wanted sign.

But Charles Read, who resigned recently after just over two years as manager, chalks it up to politics, and he says his departure was done with a smile and handshake. He started his stint under former Mayor Don Smith.

"What we agree is, it's not uncommon for any governing body to select the manager they want to lead the organization," Read said Friday.

Read, a 10-year resident, said he's not sure what he's doing next, but he plans to stay put in Southern Shores.

"The dust is still settling," he said.

Mayor Hal Denny, who defeated Smith in November, said he has received some inquiries from residents about the resignation.

"They're curious," he said. "They want to know what's going on. I can't tell them anything, because of the personnel laws."

For the second time, Police Chief David Kole is serving as interim manager.

Kole also filled in after Webb Fuller resigned in 2007.

Fuller, who was manager for a year, had earlier served as interim manager after Carl Classen resigned in 2004. Prior to Classen, Thomas Gjestson served as manager for five years before resigning because of health issues.

In 1997, Cay Cross resigned from the position following financial problems related to Project Blue Sky, a town-sponsored coastal construction program.

Denny said the town needs a professional manager who is skilled at handling municipal government.

"That's what I think the council's going to be looking for," he said, "because we have a number of problems that require an experienced guy or gal."

One major item he cited is the long-sought canal dredging project that finally was under way before being shelved recently because the contractor defaulted.

Then, he said there's the "pernicious" stormwater issue, and there's a bridge that will soon need to be replaced.

The first challenge, however, will be getting the town budget completed by the end of the fiscal year on June 30. That is likely to be painful to taxpayers, Denny said.

"I think that we cannot maintain the quality of life that the people of Southern Shores expect at the current tax rate," the mayor said.

Karen Kranda, president of the Southern Shores Civic Association, said it is not surprising there has been a change with the new administration, or even that there has been such turnover in the manager's office. The town is known for its politically savvy and active citizenry, she said.

"I tend to say that's Southern Shores," she said. "We elect our leaders, and I think we have to trust their judg ments."

Catherine Kozak, (252) 441-1711, cate.kozak@pilotonline.com