AUBURN – Residents will have the opportunity to influence who the city hires to manage its operations, according to Mayor John Jenkins.

Jenkins and city councilors will be polling residents over the next 11 days to find out what they want in a city manager.

“This is a huge decision that affects a lot of people, and every one of them should be able to shape the criteria we use,” Jenkins said.

City Manager Pat Finnigan announced her resignation in February, effective as of June. Jenkins said the city will likely name an interim city manager once Finnigan does leave. He hopes to have a new permanent manager hired by November. All seven city councilors and Jenkins are up for election that month.

“That is certainly the intention,” Jenkins said. “But this could the biggest decision this or any council makes for a very long time, and we want to make sure we get it right. So we need to find out what criteria people have.”

Jenkins has also reached out the Lewiston’s City Council and to the newly formed Citizens Commission on Lewiston-Auburn Cooperation. He hopes they’ll advise the city about how to make a new manager work well with Lewiston.

And Jenkins said he also asked city staffers for their opinions.

“They’re the ones that are going to work closer with this person than anyone, and they say they’ve never been asked before,” he said.

Jenkins’ question asks Auburn residents to finish the following sentence: “Our next city manager should be a person who…”

Answers should be mailed, e-mailed or hand-delivered to Jenkins’ office in Auburn Hall by April 21.

City manager poll

Complete the following statement using bullet points:

“Our next City Manager should be a person who…”

Send answers and comments to the city, in care of Mayor John Jenkins:

• Via mail: Mayor John Jenkins, Auburn Hall, 60 Court St., Auburn, ME, 04210

• Via E-mail: [email protected].

Comments should be delivered by April 21 and should include the sender’s affiliation to the city – whether it’s as an employee, a resident or a business owner. Name and contact information can be included as well.