Hillsboro is launching a nationwide search for a new city manager and plan on contracting are hiring Portland-based consultants Waldron HR to run it. City Council opted for the nationwide search, as opposed to an internal appointment or a regional search, during a city council meeting on Tuesday, February 6. Why should regular citizens care? Because the city manager essentially runs the city. Hillsboro’s elected city council and mayor are unpaid, outside of a small stipend, and the majority have full time jobs outside of politics. The city manager conducts the day-to-day affairs of the city. Policy decisions are ultimately made by city council, yes, but the government is run by the staff, and the city manager directs that staff.[…]