Don’t discount public-sector experience in search

In the search to replace retiring Sedgwick County Manager William Buchanan, County Commission Chairman Richard Ranzau has stated a preference for a candidate with private-sector business experience. Any executive experience would have value, and there are worthy lessons that the public sector can learn from business. But commissioners should bear in mind that they are looking for someone with the ability and resume to handle a $421 million annual budget, and to replace someone whose skilled public administration earned him the presidency of the International City/County Managers Association. And tick-tock, commissioners: Buchanan announced his retirement Oct. 15, his last day is June 15, and the 2016 county budget must be approved in August. – Rhonda Holman

This story was originally published April 24, 2015 at 7:02 PM.