Rewarding Results

There are lots of ways to measure efficiency. I like to use results.

That’s why I have recently promoted two of my key staffers: Charles Bryson, the Neighborhood Development Executive, will hold the rank of Executive Assistant; Sherry Wibbenmeyer, the office manager, will hold the rank of Special Assistant. Both have performed at levels far beyond what I expected when I hired them — and both will make more money with their new ranks.

In tight budget times, every new cost needs careful scrutiny — and some context.

After adjusting for the anomaly of the extra 27th Pay Period in FY06, the Mayor’s Office budget is 13 percent — $270,000 — less than when I took office. The payroll budget for the office, with the same adjustment, is nearly 22 percent — $370,000 — less than when I took office.

These significant savings, despite the skyrocketing costs of health insurance and pensions, give me the leeway to do what good managers ought to do: hire good people and promote them when opportunities are available and the promotion is warranted by their work.

Congratulations, Sherry and Charles.