David Corliss, who was tapped Friday as Lawrence’s next city manager, is an expert in how things have always been done in Lawrence.

Now, it’s time for him to actively go in search of new ideas and strategies to see how Lawrence might do things better.

Corliss received his bachelor’s degree, a master’s in public administration and a law degree from Kansas University. He has worked for Lawrence city government for 16 years as a management analyst, director of legal services and assistant city manager. He knows Lawrence.

That’s a plus, in many ways, but Corliss’ lack of experience outside Lawrence also can be seen as a negative to those who would have liked to tap into the experience of a city administrator who had worked in other communities. Corliss succeeds Mike Wildgen, who was promoted to city manager after serving as assistant city manager under Buford Watson. He is seen by many as a continuation of the Watson/Wildgen management legacy.

So why would city commissioners hire the assistant of a manager they asked to resign?

Although he may have seemed like a long shot for the job right after Wildgen’s departure, during several months as the city’s interim city manager, Corliss has shown a willingness to tackle city issues in a different way. He was able to resolve a lingering sewer issue relatively quickly and respond to city commissioners’ criticisms by making significant changes to the city’s budget process.

City commissioners had other strong candidates to become the next city manager but decided Corliss was the best person for the job. It isn’t exactly a bold choice but that doesn’t mean Corliss is incapable of providing bold and innovative leadership for the city.

In fact, the commission’s decision to hire Corliss seems to carry with it permission, if not a mandate, to look at new and better ways to conduct the city’s business. Corliss should take that ball and run with it.