Marshall’s City Manager Finalists Unveil High-Stakes Plans to Fix Water Crisis
The three finalists competing to become Marshall’s next city manager laid out urgent priorities Monday during a town hall event at the Marshall Convention Center. The forum, led by Mayor Amy Ware, drew intense attention as candidates outlined their strategies to tackle Marshall’s critical water and wastewater infrastructure challenges—an issue described as the city’s most pressing survival concern.
“Selecting our next city manager is one of the most significant decisions we make,” Mayor Ware said, emphasizing the importance of public engagement in shaping the future leadership. The candidates — Greg Smith, Mike Murray, and Cynthia Northrop — bring decades of municipal experience, and each emphasized immediate action on infrastructure alongside community connection.
Top Priority: Fixing Water Infrastructure to Secure Marshall’s Future
All three finalists agreed Marshall’s water and wastewater systems are in dire need of comprehensive upgrades to ensure safe drinking water and proper sanitation services. Greg Smith, a former city manager with 23 years of experience, called the issue “not very fun or exciting” but essential for the city’s survival.
“You have to have safe drinking water; you have to be able to turn your spigot on and water comes out,” Smith said. “Without functioning wastewater, residents and businesses cannot operate normally.”
Smith detailed his experience managing emergency evacuations and large infrastructure projects, including new water lines and storm sewers, making him well-equipped to oversee Marshall’s upcoming massive capital improvements. His comments reflect a recognition that this multi-million-dollar effort will dominate his first term, working closely with the city council which has already lined up funding to start the projects.
Mike Murray, currently city manager of Bridgeport and a veteran with over 20 years in municipal leadership, echoed the need for concentrated investment. “We have to get the water problem figured out before we start looking at streets and other projects,” Murray said. He praised the council’s early funding initiatives and highlighted state assistance opportunities available to Marshall.
Cynthia Northrop, city manager of Breckenridge and author of a book on local government, pointed out an optimistic angle: Marshall’s low debt rate gives the city room to strategically invest in its infrastructure without overwhelming its finances. She stressed the nationwide challenge of maintaining local infrastructure but saw Marshall’s fiscal position as a strategic advantage.
Candidate Visions for the First 100 Days and Community Engagement
Each finalist shared their distinct approach to starting the job if selected. Murray plans to finalize the budget and thoroughly assess city staff capabilities. Northrop described a comprehensive process meeting with residents, civic leaders, local colleges, and key stakeholders to gain a broad understanding of community needs.
“Getting a pulse of the community and what’s important to you all will guide my efforts,” Northrop said.
Smith emphasized visibility and open communication. “I want to be approachable and willing to have hard conversations. We have to be unified to move Marshall forward,” he said.
Community Interaction and Transparent Selection Process
The forum was designed to foster transparency and allow residents to directly engage with candidates, who also toured Marshall, met city staff, and shared their detailed one-year plans. Mayor Ware described the process as rigorous and inclusive, affirming that community input will influence the final decision.
Residents’ questions at the forum ranged from boosting employee morale to managing challenges related to city services. Each candidate expressed enthusiasm for Marshall’s people and staff, highlighting the city’s strengths beyond infrastructure.
“It’s a fantastic staff and a wonderful community,” Murray said. Northrop and Smith both emphasized the importance of community connection and diverse perspectives in effective city management.
What’s Next for Marshall
The City Council will soon weigh public feedback from the forum alongside candidate qualifications before naming the new city manager. The chosen leader faces an urgent mandate to address infrastructure failings while fostering community trust and continued growth in Marshall.
With water and wastewater projects looming as a multi-year, multi-million-dollar commitment, residents and local leaders alike are watching closely as Marshall prepares to enter a critical chapter in its history.
