Airing Both Sides of Murray Flap

The account of recent interviews with San Diego City Manager Sylvester Murray by The Times in the June 1 edition was described as yielding some surprising and interesting insights. That was quite an understatement in the light of reported views and positions ranging from “boss of police” to an apparent appreciation of more subtle powers in his new position: “I can then be the semi-politician.”

There is a place for a “take charge” person, but there is no room for one who has a bent for self-gratification and making an ego trip in public administration. Even these might be accommodated, but what must not be tolerated is the extremely emotional attitude revealed in the new city manager’s persona. The city cannot accept anything other than calm, reasoned, rational direction of its administration. Such is not to be expected from one who very pointedly describes himself: “I get an orgasm just being a boss of police. I knew that’s what I wanted.”

Regardless of professional knowledge that might be available, Mr. Murray is clearly out of place in the position of city manager of San Diego. Situations in which department heads, or even the least among city employees--or even, mayhap, a council member--would have to wonder whether the man was in the throes of his emotions, or otherwise carried-away by circumstance rather than matters at hand, are not conducive to good personnel relations, much less effective administration.

That a mistake has been made must be recognized. Mr. Murray must be replaced. Appropriate action must be taken by the City Council promptly, at all cost. Whatever it takes in money, time, trouble, travail is negligible in comparison with incalculable costs of carrying an “albatross,” a burdensome regime.

W.C. HEMBURY

San Diego