Members of the Winnebago County Forest Preserve Board have asked Randy Olson to step downas board president. They're upset with Olsonfor not including their input on a new hire. Olson says he plans to keep his title.
Curt Woodis a retired public administration professor at N-I-U. He says even though state law appears to allow Olson to make the hiring decision on his own, board members are right to criticize him:
"There's a lot of research on this-- that the most effective mayors or presidents of boards, regardless of form of government, are the ones that use a facilitator-leadership style, respecting their fellow elected officials and working in tandem as a team." - Curt Wood, retired NIU public administration professor
He also says smaller governing boards need more administrative help to avoid a scenario like this one:
"It would be ideal if there was an administrator who the department heads could work with on a daily basis and not have to then turn only to the president for guidance."
Commissioners could vote to replace Olsonas board president. The board's next meeting is August 15th.