By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
The number of leadership positions in need of replacement within Whitewater’s municipal government has expanded from two to three. City officials say intensive recruitment efforts are underway.
City Manager Cameron Clapper on Nov. 1 discussed with the Common Council the ongoing search for two positions: media manager and finance director. More recently another position —parks and recreation director — has also been added into the mix of open positions.
Matt Amundson recently announced he was leaving his post as the head of Whitewater’s parks and recreation functions. Early this month, the City of Middleton hired him as its director of public lands, recreation and forestry.
“I’m sad to see Matt go, but when I think of the professional development of all our employees, I’m thrilled for the opportunities that await him,” Clapper said. “We wish him well and much success.”
Clapper said the city will soon begin seeking out Amundson’s successor and could tweak the position responsibilities. Amundson’s duties included tasks that fell outside the position, including oversight of municipal buildings.
Earlier this year, Doug Saubert, the city’s finance director, announced he was leaving the city. He plans to retire next month. Clapper said the city is in the midst of recruiting candidates for the position.
The third open position on the city’s radar is what had been known as the media services manager, which was assumed by Alan Luckett until he resigned in July to assume a position with the City of Janesville’s community TV operation.
As previously announced, Clapper has proposed changing the position title and responsibilities to expand communications efforts beyond the city’s public access programming on cable TV.
Luckett’s successor, who could be named soon, will have more of a public relations role that includes social media and other community outreach efforts.
