Many of today’s U.S. cities face tremendous fiscal challenges, as Stephen Eide discussed in a recent column (“Only politicians can save us now,” Aug. 2.) But to suggest a solution that pits strong political leadership against professional local government management, however, is misguided.

For our cities to be successful, they require the combination of strong political leadership, strong policy development, a relentless focus on execution and results, a commitment to transparent and ethical government, and a strategy for representing and engaging every segment of the community. This, and not exclusive reliance upon the power of our politicians, is the bold reform that is needed now.