On September 1, the new administrations of the association of cities and parishes began their work. Įrta Kalnbirzi was approved as the head of the administration of the Sabile and Stende association, but on October 14, the municipality of Talsi region received a request from the manager to remove him from his position on October 31. He was dismissed from his post at the November 4 council meeting. Until the appointment of a new head of the administration, the duties have been assigned to the deputy head of the Sabile and Stande association, Egil Alsberg.
Sandra Pētersone, deputy chairman of the Talsi region, said at the council meeting on October 31 that there are personal reasons for the manager’s departure. On the other hand, the deputies expressed their opinion about the sudden departure of Ęirtas Kalnbirze. “Managing an institution of this size in the conditions of the current reform, when there are so many uncertainties, is not really qualitative,” said MP Aldis Pinkens. “A conscientious employee is actually unable to cope with this job. The residents are also asking to ensure normal working hours – a 40-hour work week, and accordingly also full wages.”
The deputies also expressed their gratitude to G. Kalnbirzem for the invested work in the municipality. “We are debating about the manager who won the competition, was the best candidate, besides, the residents speak highly of his skills, abilities and experience in fulfilling these duties,” says A. Pinkens. “It is not customary to publicly praise representatives of other parties, but I would like to use my official position and publicly thank Đirt for the work he has invested all these years. And it’s obvious that the residents appreciate it too, so a big thank you! All the best wishes for the next challenges!” said MP Ilva Norenberga. “I will also join in expressing gratitude to the manager, as well as express my regret for the fact that we could not create such conditions for the manager to continue his work,” said A. Pinkens.
In a conversation with “Talsa Vēstīm” at the beginning of October, G. Kalnbirze pointed out: “As for this large union administration – my personal vision is that two associations of administrations should have been formed here. I have also expressed my opinion to the management – this administration could be the city of Stende, Lībagi, Strazde and the other – the city of Sabile, Abavciems and Virbi. Then management people would be much more accessible, and solving problems would be much easier. But the final decision is as follows, and we cannot change anything there at the moment».
Interview: Time.news Editor and Local Governance Expert
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We recently saw a significant change in leadership within the Sabile and Stende association with the rapid departure of Įrta Kalnbirzi. Can you provide some context on his initial appointment and what might have led to such a swift dismissal?
Expert: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Įrta Kalnbirzi was appointed head of the administration on September 1, which, as you can imagine, was a pivotal moment for the association amidst ongoing reforms. However, less than two months later, his departure raised eyebrows, especially with the local council’s statements attributing his dismissal to “personal reasons.” It suggests that there may have been underlying issues that weren’t publicly addressed.
Editor: Those personal reasons seem to be a key aspect. However, we also hear comments from local officials expressing concern over the challenges of managing in such an uncertain environment. What does this say about the current state of local governance in the Talsi region?
Expert: It highlights a significant challenge. As MP Aldis Pinkens noted, the landscape created by recent reforms has been tumultuous. Managing large institutions in this climate requires not only experience but a robust support system and clear communication channels. It’s not surprising that a conscientious employee like Kalnbirzi found it difficult to navigate these challenges. The expectations placed on local leaders can often be overwhelming, especially when their mandates are shaped by constant changes in policy and public demand.
Editor: It’s intriguing that the deputy head, Egil Alsberg, has taken over in the interim. Do you think this will provide some stability, or could it lead to further complications given the circumstances?
Expert: Egil Alsberg’s appointment as interim head can certainly provide continuity in leadership, which is crucial during such transitional periods. However, it’s important to consider his experience and the resources at his disposal. If he can effectively communicate with staff and implement changes while addressing community concerns, he could stabilize the situation. Yet, if he also feels the weight of those same pressures without adequate support, it might lead to more complications down the line.
Editor: The local residents have expressed a desire for normalcy in municipal operations. What suggestions would you make to address their concerns during this period of change?
Expert: Engaging the community is essential. The local government should reach out proactively, perhaps through town hall meetings, to listen to residents’ concerns and involve them in the decision-making process. Transparency is key—providing updates on the leadership transition and the goals moving forward can help rebuild trust. Additionally, forming a task force to address immediate community needs can also demonstrate responsiveness and commitment to improving local governance.
Editor: It sounds like community engagement is vital. Moving forward, how can local government structures ensure that such abrupt changes in leadership do not hinder their operations again?
Expert: Implementing succession plans and clearer criteria for leadership roles would be a significant step. Training and support for incoming administrators, coupled with a stable transitional process, will empower them to succeed. Moreover, fostering a culture of open communication throughout the organization can help identify potential issues early on, allowing proactive measures rather than reactive decisions when a crisis arises.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights today. Clearly, stabilizing leadership and community involvement are key in navigating the complexities of local governance, especially in these transformative times.
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s important we keep discussing these issues as they evolve, especially given their impact on local communities.