Games, Lies, and Politics - Lessons in Municipal Governance, Leadership and Ethics (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798993963716)

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.