Outgoing General Manager of Engineering Services Tom Timm
Tom Timm, the head of the largest department at Vancouver City Hall, and arguably the most powerful bureaucrat as General Manager of Engineering Services, is leaving the building at the end of March. Tom was too shrewd and diplomatic to publicly reveal his personal feelings about the current Vision Vancouver regime and the nanomanaging Penny Ballem. Tom had a lot of gas left in his tank, but just couldn't take it anymore according to insiders.
Who will replace Timm? A "broad search" is underway according to Penny Ballem. The headhunting firm whose post office box is located at Manson's Landing, Cortes Island, is apparently working overtime to find someone who knows something about managing thousands of employees, building streets and sewers, is a powerful advocate for social change, and can sit comfortably in the lotus position.
Another vital job requirement is having a thick skin for the occasional brow-beating by the City Manager, and not minding when she whistles for you to report in her office.
Who will rise to the top job in the massive City Engineering department? It most certainly won't be Timm's Assistant City Engineer, the extremely bright and qualified Jerry Dobrovolny. Jerry has a huge target on his back from CUPE due to his work as spokesperson for management during their 2007 strike.
