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Games, Lies, and Politics - Lessons in Municipal Governance, Leadership and Ethics
Paperback
Business GeneralGeneral Political Science
Publisher: Charles A. Montoya
Published: Mar 2 2026
Pages: 178
Weight: 0.54
Height: 0.41 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
Games, Lies, and Politics pulls back the curtain on the realities of municipal governance and public leadership.
Drawing from more than three decades of experience as a city manager, Charles A. Montoya delivers a candid examination of the internal pressures, ethical dilemmas, shifting loyalties, and political complexities that shape decision-making in local government and public administration.
This is not a theory-driven textbook. It is a practical guide to leading - and surviving - within the council-manager form of government.
Inside, readers will learn how to:
- Navigate relationships with elected officials without compromising professional integrity
- Manage political pressure in public service
- Lead effectively under scrutiny
- Build organizational culture while protecting long-term credibility
- Understand the Pension Paradox and executive decision-making in later career stages
- Strengthen ethical leadership in politically dynamic environments
Clear-eyed, direct, and grounded in real municipal experience, this book speaks directly to:
- City managers and assistant city managers
- Department directors and public sector executives
- MPA students and future public administrators
- Professionals working in municipal government
Whether new to city management or a seasoned public leader, readers will gain practical insight into leadership, ethics, and the political realities inside City Hall.
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