I don't know Eric King. But here's my advice to the Bend City Council. Just hire the guy. Save all that money on the job search. All your vaunted searches have only succeeded in hiring someone from outside who take months, if not years, to get up the speed, who realizes to his horror what a mess he got into. Eric King is at least aware of the problems. Can't see how the choice for City Manager can be improved by your interview process. You've had a chance to see the guy work, and obviously, he's competent or he wouldn't still be there. Just hire the guy.