Amarillo’s search for a city manager will offer the community a chance to gauge the City Council’s commitment to the future of the city’s downtown district.

I’ve commented already on the huge transition already under way in the downtown area. It’s been a very long time since we’ve seen three construction cranes towering over gigantic projects that have begun there.

It gives me hope that the city truly is committed to the huge effort that’s been done already to provide for a better, more vibrant downtown district. Trust me on this: The entire city is going to reap giant rewards once this work is done.

But the city is on the hunt now for a permanent city manager to oversee all of it. The interim manager, Terry Childers, will depart in due course and the new person will be asked to become the chief executive of a $200 million annual enterprise.

One question the council — which will make this hiring decision — must ask of applicants is: Are you committed fully to ensuring the city proceeds full speed toward the future course it has charted?

I understand that the ultimate policy decisions rest with the five members of the City Council. Still, we do have a strong manager form of government here. The council hires the city manager to take control of the levers of government. It puts final administrative authority in that person’s hands. The manager, of course, must do what the council directs. There needs to be constructive synergy between the manager and his or her bosses on the governing council.

To be honest, I am heartened by the direction this new council has taken with regard to downtown. It has honored — so far — the wishes of the electorate that in November endorsed the concept of a ballpark to be build across the street from City Hall.  It has marched forward with construction of the convention hotel and parking garage. Momentum is building.

The next city manager must be committed to continuing that march.

What’s more, the City Council must be on board as well.

The City Council’s search for the new manager — and the decision it makes — will reveal a great deal about its commitment to Amarillo’s future.