AUBURN – There’s only one constant when it comes to what people want in a new city manager: Change.

“I think people are ready for something entirely different,” Mayor John Jenkins said. “We’ve had things a certain way, a certain process for so long, and I think any organization needs new life breathed in every once in a while. People are ready for that now.”

Jenkins released results last week from an informal survey of Auburn residents and city employees that asked their criteria for a new city manager. He got back about 30 responses, with answers calling for fiscal responsibility, professionalism and the ability to inspire and lead.

“The sense I get, we have a chance at new leadership now, and a new direction as well,” Jenkins said. “What we’ve done so far is fine, but people are anxious to try something different now.”

City Manager Pat Finnigan announced her resignation in February, effective in June. She’d been Auburn’s top manager since 1995.

Her assistant, Laurie Smith was appointed interim manager by councilors last week. They began polling residents in April to find out what they expect in Finnigan’s replacement. The poll asked them to finish one sentence: “Our next city manager should be a person who…”

Results will be used by Jenkins and councilors as they begin looking for a full-time manager. Councilors are reviewing proposals from five executive search firms.

Some survey responses were specific, recommending one person for the job or recommending against another. Jenkins said he’s not so interested in those.

“You can’t make public policy based on personal commentary,” he said. “People can say what they want about any single person, but that doesn’t have to influence our decision.”

Some respondents said the new manager must be from within Auburn, while others said they should come from outside. Some want a manager who will push consolidation with Lewiston; others want someone who will fight against it.

“Any input is helpful,” Councilor Ellen Peters said. “I am, by habit, an information collector and every piece we can put together will be useful for me.”

Councilors are considering hiring an executive search firm to lead the effort. Jenkins said they’ve received proposals from five companies, and he expects councilors to narrow that down to two in the coming weeks.

“Then we’ll see which one meets our specific criteria,” he said.

Councilor Ray Berube said he doesn’t care if the person the city eventually hires comes from Auburn, or even Maine.

“As long as they are the right person for the job,” he said. “I don’t care where they’re from, if they are the right one, they’ll get the job.”

Auburn City Manager Criteria Survey

Sample comments from a survey that asked residents and city employees to answer the following question: “Auburn’s next city manager should be a person who…”

• “Has the ability to build up employee morale that has been lost over the last few years due to deception and backstabbing.” – A city employee.

• “Doesn’t make deals with wanna-be millionaires on developing old buildings which should be torn down.” – Anonymous.

• “Solid investment and accounting background with a documented history of sound financial practices.” – Dean Milligan, Auburn fire lieutenant.

• “Is never tardy for work.” – Chandler Burke, 8 years old, Fairview second grade student.

• “Is a healer. I believe the morale at city hall is at an all-time low.” – Anonymous.

• “A person who can live within the means of the taxpayers.” – Joseph Malone, North River Road.

• “Has performed volunteer community service and still does presently.” – S. Roy.

• “20 percent less spending for 2008.” – Troy Bernard, Turner Road.

• “Thick skinned, willing to stand by their convictions.” – Suzanne Trefsger.

• “Doesn’t overshadow the council and the citizens by trying to push through their ideas on policy.” – Gail Phoenix, city employee.

• “Will be prepared (double-underlined) for meetings.” Janine Valliere, Rose Terrace.

• “Work to meet the desires of the taxpayers, even if it must be voted on by the citizens.” – A citizen.

• “Supports and will work toward consolidation/merger.” – Anonymous.

• “Will not join the two cities, Lewiston with Auburn.” – Reginald Emery.

• “Trusts the council and gives them all of the facts so they can make educated decisions. A manager who does not edit or sanitize information to the council or mayor from department heads.” – An employee.

• “Can handle change. The city is in the midst of many changes and we need someone who sees change as a good thing.” – An employee.