Fort Thomas council debate centers on appointment process after member defends appointee

A City of Fort Thomas council member said they had spoken directly with the appointee and that he had been open about a prior property sale to the entity behind a local project, but members continued to press for a more transparent appointment process.

"I did speak with Brad today because that was my main concern," said Unidentified Speaker 1, who said Brad had told them he was absent for the earlier meeting and did not push language in the power payments. "So I'd like to say, I think Brad was open and honest with me, and I think it would be a misstep if I didn't stick up for him in that sense. … But that doesn't mean I'd change my vote."

Other council members framed their reservations as process issues rather than personal objections. "My nay vote was not about Brad. It was about the process," said Unidentified Speaker 4. Several members said they would have preferred interviews and more thorough vetting of candidates before appointments.

A public commenter amplified concerns about transparency. Unidentified Speaker 6 said they had contacted council members and received few responses, adding: "What's going on right now with the problem in the city is that decisions are being made without the diligence being done."

Council members acknowledged the decision had been difficult. One member noted the candidate's electoral track record as relevant to their choice, while others urged clearer, consistent procedures so the city can rebuild trust with residents who apply for positions.

Rather than reopening the matter, the council moved on to new business and carried the remaining agenda items, leaving procedural-change discussion as the primary unresolved point.