City opens competition for top jobs

New Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber is moving to put his stamp on City Hall, directing the city manager to undertake a “department-by-department talent review” of top employees in the city’s workforce.

Webber and City Manager Brian Snyder are asking every “exempt” employee — those in high-ranking jobs outside the civil service protections of “classified” workers — to reapply for their jobs.

“At the same time, the new administration will consider the full spectrum of qualified and interested candidates for each position,” a City Hall news release said.

The move is intended to “ensure the City has the best possible people in place in each position, and that the city is delivering service at the highest level of efficiency,” the release said.

Webber, who was sworn in on Monday, is the first mayor to serve under voterapproved city charter changes that makes mayor a full-time position.

The amendments also give the mayor more power over personnel matters and officially makes the holder of Santa Fe’s top elected position “the chief administrative officer of the city.”

The news release said, “The decision to evaluate each position is an initial step of the transition to Santa Fe’s first chief executive, full-time Mayor. It is a result of consistent feedback from the public that change is needed at City Hall. It also affords the new Mayor an opportunity to get to know the City’s senior leaders and their visions for each department. The Mayor hopes to complete the review process by June 15th at the latest.”

About 67 positions are affected, according to a city spokesman. A list is expected to be posted on the city website today. Applications will be accepted for 30 days and possibly longer.

“Our goal is the most user-friendly and service-oriented city government in the country,” Webber said. “We need highenergy, talented and committed people to lead the way there.”

Exempt employees will serve in interim roles until the process is complete. “Members of the public or existing city staff who meet the qualifications and want to apply for these positions are welcome and invited to do so,” the statement said.

“This approach lets me get to know our senior staff on their own merit, and at the same time review the most qualified and capable talent in our government and in our community,” Webber said.