City administrators are aware of the pressure but stand by their decision.

"I don't know what other word to use when all of your city administrators are in transition."

He left the Council in 1981 to accept the position of city administrator.

But taxpayer groups and city administrators were of a different mind.

"We don't need to change the system here," says the city administrator.

Many city administrators seemed to think it was too hasty.

Within 12 hours, he had a new job, as city administrator of Poughkeepsie.

In cities that have city administrators, the head of the common council may be referred to as mayor.

City administrators say it is a simple, cheap and permanent fix.

"He's become the leader challenging other city administrators and police commissioners to look at crime in a different light," he said.