Good ole Von DEE...

Excellent name, and I was little back then. When the adults were talking, I didn't know the difference between Ghan-DEE or Von DEE..

I remember he wore a suit and appeared at a school assembly. I can only really judge the ones who came after him.

My impression is that Von DEE is probably the last of the old guard. Meaning, the machine was running well....the mill was running well.. and though development wasn't stellar, Granite City still had the 36,800 on its sign.

I view Selph and Hagnauer favorably.

Parkinson, I see him as a people person....door's open kind of guy. I have only observed his reign from a distance. PEople I know seem to like him.
I probably would too.

But please tuck your shirt in.

I agree on the City manager. Throw in the large salary to a City manager.......and the Mayor can be the dean of the city council...so to speak. I'm not informed on the model...but I guess it contrasts with the 'strong mayor' model.