Marshall, Texas — The race to select Marshall’s next city manager took a decisive turn Monday as the three finalists presented urgent plans to tackle the city’s most pressing challenge: critical water and wastewater infrastructure repairs.
During a public forum at the Marshall Convention Center, finalists Greg Smith, Mike Murray, and Cynthia Northrop laid out their strategies, emphasizing rapid action to secure Marshall’s water systems—an issue city leaders warn threatens the community’s survival.
Mayor Amy Ware opened the forum with a clear message on the importance of transparency and public input. “Selecting our next city manager is one of the most significant decisions we make, and we appreciate hearing directly from our citizens, employees, and partners,” she said.
Finalists Showcase Deep Municipal Experience and Local Dedication
Greg Smith of Jacksonville, Texas, brings 23 years managing cities, including emergency evacuations during hurricanes and overseeing major infrastructure projects. Since 2024, he has worked in the private sector supporting municipal business development but is ready to return to full-time public city management.
Smith highlighted his success managing rapidly growing Texas communities and stressed the urgent need for Marshall to finalize plans to replace outdated water lines and wastewater systems that affect almost every household.
Mike Murray, the current city manager of Bridgeport with more than 20 years’ experience, underscored his deep ties to East Texas and commitment to tackling infrastructure head-on. Known for leading water plant renovations and sewer line projects, Murray praised the city council’s efforts to line up funding and urged swift action. “When the water’s not working, people leave town,” he said.
Cynthia Northrop, city manager in Breckenridge and author of a book on navigating local government, brought a unique perspective fueled by her passion for community engagement. She outlined plans to meet extensively with civic leaders, school districts, and state agencies to gain a full community perspective before prioritizing projects.
Water Crisis Tops the Agenda for All Candidates
The shared consensus among candidates was the critical status of Marshall’s water and wastewater infrastructure. Smith called it “not very fun or exciting” but “crucial to the city’s survival.” He urged focus on ensuring safe drinking water and properly functioning waste disposal systems as foundational to the city’s future.
Murray echoed the urgency, emphasizing the need to build on existing council plans and available state resources despite the high cost. “It is an investment that must be prioritized,” he said. Northrop highlighted Marshall’s advantage of a low debt rate, suggesting strategic borrowing as a way to fund sweeping infrastructure improvements urgently needed in many US cities.
Community Engagement and Transparency Highlighted
Beyond infrastructure, candidates detailed their vision for open, accessible leadership. Northrop emphasized an “open-door policy” and comprehensive stakeholder engagement. Smith promised visibility and a willingness to have “hard conversations” with residents. Murray, a longtime family man and veteran, spoke warmly of the community’s spirit and his deep connection to Marshall.
All three spoke in detail about their plans for their first 100 days, prioritizing budget completion, community dialogue, and staff evaluations. Public questions at the forum ranged from morale boosting to challenge management, showing the community’s investment in finding the right leader.
What’s Next for Marshall’s Leadership Search
The city council will now weigh public input and candidate presentations as they move toward a decision on Marshall’s next city manager. The stakes are high as the chosen leader will guide the city through monumental infrastructure repairs that will shape Marshall’s economy and quality of life for decades to come.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay engaged as final deliberations unfold, with transparency and community involvement promised throughout the process.
Mayor Amy Ware: “We want you to get a sense of who these candidates are and how they would approach key issues facing our city.”
This leadership transition in Marshall is not just a local priority; it reflects urgent challenges facing communities nationwide on aging infrastructure and sustainable growth, offering insights valuable to cities across Montana and the United States.
