Crum’s level head will be missed

City Manager Roger Crum, the man responsible for Evanston’s daily operations, announced Monday that he will retire by mid-summer.

Crum’s annual budget proposals weren’t always adopted by City Council. Often his suggestions to cut social-service programs were criticized by the residents attached to them and replaced by tax hikes. But even if his proposals weren’t always followed, his level-headedness and emphasis on fiscal responsibility left an imprint on both the council and the city as a whole that will remain long after he steps down.

But Crum did more than just tangle with Evanston’s budget each year. As Evanston’s top administrator, Crum directed department heads and proposed solutions for Evanston’s long-term problems. Like all good managers, Crum always knew what was going on — and he never became impatient with those who did not.

Although he clearly sided with the city in issues related to the ongoing lawsuit with Northwestern, Crum managed to remain above the fray most of the time. He also held the same respect for students that he had for all community members. He always was eager and accommodating to those trying to get a grasp on complicated issues.

Crum had a complex job, and the city benefited from his rational approach. He didn’t paint a pretty picture when there wasn’t one. When the city’s aldermen appoint Crum’s replacement, they would do well to seek out someone who challenges them in the same way Crum did during his tenure. The city deserves no less.