We are thoroughly befuddled by the three finalists selected for interviews for the Civic Center manager's position. We're wondering what these three men could have possibly included on their resumes that made them stand out so far ahead of the other candidates.

We know one of the candidates who wasn't selected for an interview, and we cannot understand why he did not get one. After reading the articles in the Tribune, we are left with a number of questions.

First, what sort of experience was the selection committee - consisting of a high school athletic director, a convention and visitors bureau director, a real estate agent and a lawyer - looking for?

Our friend brings managerial experience from the Target Center in Minneapolis, one of the largest sports and entertainment venues in the Midwest. We think it's safe to say that his dealings with professional athletes and entertainers in that position would prove valuable while managing the Bismarck Civic Center.

We believe he could handle the rigorous responsibilities that accompany the North Dakota Class B boys' basketball tournament or the logistics of the Kenny Rogers concert.

Yet, he was not even granted an interview.

Second, have any of the three finalists been involved in athletic competitions at the Olympic level? Our friend has worked at several Olympic games and the Goodwill Games in Australia.

Just think of the knowledge he gleaned from world-class competition, and how his experiences could serve the Bismarck Civic Center and the city of Bismarck. We're quite sure he could have used his expertise from the Olympics to coordinate a North Dakota state basketball tournament or the Wizards' schedule. Again, there was no interview to discuss his vision.

Finally, was the list abruptly cut to three rather than being pared down to five and then to three because of the busy schedules of the city commissioners, or were there some preconceived ideas about who the three finalists would be?

We can't help but wonder if the final three really are the best candidates.