Sloane, Harvey I.

Mr. Bryan was originally the special assistant to Mayor Sloane and was serving as Cabinet Director for Safety and Public Health at the time of this interview, which covers the reorganization of Louisville's city government.

Mr. Elam was the Executive Assistant to Mayor Sloane. He notes that the idea for reorganization was conceived within the first year of the administration, with the aim of improving city government efficiency. The concept of a cabinet structure was adopted, although the term 'cabinet' was chosen for its simplicity and understandability. The reorganization was also influenced by changes in federal funding and the need to utilize strong individuals within the city government more effectively. There was a proposal for a dual executive assistant to the mayor, but it was rejected in favor of a single executive assistant. The reorganization aimed to make independent city commissions and joint city-county agencies more accountable to City Hall. Elam emphasized the importance of interdepartmental cooperation and effective resource allocation in delivering public services.

Dr. Sloane served as Mayor of Louisville from 1973 to 1977. Sloane explains that the decision to reorganize was influenced by the need for better inter-departmental coordination and decision-making at lower levels. He also mentions that the reorganization was not a campaign pledge. The reorganization involved merging departments, creating a cabinet structure, and changing the reporting mechanism. The cabinet structure was designed to improve the delivery of services and government interaction with the public. The reorganization faced criticism, with some claiming it was a ploy to give friends jobs and others suggesting it was a means to increase political power. Sloane refutes these claims, stating that the reorganization was about professionalizing the service to the public and encouraging long-term thinking in city government.

Dr. Sloane gives an exit interview for a newspaper article.