City Manager Search is a Tale of Two Cities

Both Manassas and Manassas Park are searching for new city managers to lead each city, after the men in the current positions announced they would both be departing in June.

After about a year on the job, Manassas City Manager John Budesky announced  in March that he would be leaving his post to take care of a sick family member near Richmond.

He's moving to Hanover to be near the sick family member and has accepted another position in the Richmond area.

Meanwhile, James "Jim" Zumwalt,

.

Zumwalt's last day is June 30, the end of the 2013 fiscal year, while Budesky's last day is June 12.

What would you like to see in your next city manager? Would you want to work for Manassas or Manassas Park? Tell us in the comments.

Speaking for city council and residents, Manassas Park Mayor Frank Jones had glowing things to say about Zumwalt's work in the mini city.

“Jim has provided the city with strong and inspired leadership, and I join my colleagues in appreciation for the hard work and accomplishments during his service here," Jones said in a release issued earlier this month.

Zumwalt is known for his work with council members and city staff on completing which suffered during the recession and received credit downgrades from two credit-rating agencies.

During his time with the City of Manassas, Budesky led the city through the development of a Vision and Priorities Implementation Plan, introduced an award-winning Capital Improvement Program with Manassas City Public Schools, built bridges with the business community and introduced a balanced budget consistent with the priorities of the city council, city officials said.

“The city council greatly appreciates Mr. Budesky’s service and respects his decision.  This decision is in keeping with the family-friendly values held by the City of Manassas,” Manassas Mayor Harry J. Parrish II said." ... The City is fortunate to have a professional and dedicated staff who will be able to continue to effectively serve the residents of the City of Manassas during this transition.”

Former Manassas City Manager Larry Hughes will step in as acting city manager until a new city manager is selected in Manassas, city officials said.

Manassas is putting the finishing touches on the search criteria and hasn't yet posted a job announcement, city spokeswoman Patty Prince said.

Meanwhile in Manassas Park, the search is already underway.

Resumes will be accepted by the city's human resources office until 5 p.m. on May 31.