On The Selection Of A Parks Superintendent
The following are excerpts from Theodore Wirth's letter to his son Conrad, serving as the Assistant Director of the National Park Service at the time, dated January 8, 1940. They are concerning Theodore's thoughts on qualifications to consider in the selection of a Superintendent.
Dear Connie,
The great problem which needs solving is to harmonize the district [Minneapolis] and ...[Park Board] interests - and that is more a one man's job than that of many. By that I mean - if the right man is found to fill the authoritative position of Superintendent, to carry out the intent, he will in due time be able to convince able and conscientious authorities that it is possible to accomplish the seemingly impossible, namely, through such concentration of administration, and do justice to the interests of both.
It is that phase of the question and the picture that should attract an able and ambitious man to the position of Superintendent and not an outstanding, high salary as well merited and earned as it will be. What an attractive problem to solve and what satisfaction obtainable through its solution. It is a man's life work - and a long life at that.
Professional knowledge, through natural inclination and adaptability, and enlarged by education and experience, are not the only requisites for that public office of authority and responsibility. It takes a man of good judgment and determination, courage and conviction, firmness, courteous temperament, and a genuine gift for diplomacy.
This is a big bill of requirements, and men of that caliber are very very scarce. In fact, of all the men I know, I doubt that anyone would fill all of these specifications, but some of them, with the influence of competent advisors, may eventually master them all to a sufficient degree. However, may such a man be found, put to work and kept there to bring about what we feel it should be possible to accomplish! Civil Service channels cannot be solely be depended upon to find him. Where ever he may be found, he should be commandeered and accorded true Civil Service protection.
This matter has been on my mind...and I write to you to get it off my mind.
As always your -
Dad