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Opinion City must operate by the book in hiring
City must operate by the book in hiring
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Charges of cronyism in City of La Grande hiring practices just don’t
ring true. If anything, the charges show that the city operates in the
light of day while those sending anonymous letters to The Observer and
city councilors operate in the dark.
The city does follow strict policies in hiring, and often goes beyond in getting the public involved through open houses to meet the candidates and getting advisory committees involved in the selection process. City Manager Robert Strope should also be commended for doing everything by the book and openly. He is always willing to answer questions from the press or the public. The charges came to light when Parks Director Mark Touhey resigned last fall, worked for a spell in Portland and then decided to move back home. By that time the city had not yet filled the parks director position. Strope did ask the parks commission to assist in the selection of a parks director. Touhey had done an excellent job as parks director, and was rehired into his old position. The city needs to continue to operate in the light and to follow policies carefully when hiring, as it is mandated to do by law. The public trust depends on it. |
